Gender and LGBTQIA equality in the workplace

Equality in the Workplace
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Equality in the Workplace
Ethical issues refer to the issues that arise when certain decisions or scenarios are contrary to moral principles. In some cases, the arising conflicts often bear legal consequences, given that the alternative solutions for such may be contrary to specific laws. In the case of LGBTQIA, there are likely ethical issues, particularly at the workplace, including discrimination based on sexual orientation, the denial of equal employment opportunities, and any other form of prejudice based on sexual orientations, amongst other non-ethical practices (Babalola et al., 2018). These ethical issues affect not only the employed members of LGBTQIA but also the unemployed.
Sexism
Sexism is a common term broadly defined as acts of stereotype or discrimination against other individuals based on their sexes. This term is commonly applied to discrimination against women. However, its definition extends to gender roles and may also encompass beliefs of the superiority of one’s sexual orientation over the other. There are members of the LGBTQIA who may not be satisfied with their physical sexualities and may, within their rights, assume roles perceived to be of their opposite gender. In such cases, such individuals may end up being victims of sexist acts (Lim et al., 2019). One such example would be a lesbian assuming the roles of what is generally accepted as a male individual's role. In another case of a homosexual assuming the roles perceived to be for females, that individual may also become a sexist victim. LGBT issues are common igniters of sexism issues and may, in most cases, lead to the unnecessary undermining of opposite genders, particularly women.
Breaches of Ethical Behavior on LGBTQIA at the Workplace
Homophobic acts are common at workplaces where LGBTQIA individuals are found globally. These individuals are subjected to different forms of abuse. There is a general exclusion of gender minorities coupled with stigmatization based on their sexual orientations. It is also evident that there are nations around the world that still criminalize homosexuality. There are reports of discrimination on the part of homosexual employees worldwide. However, there is also evidence that most other forms of discrimination go unreported due to the high stigmatization levels that these individuals experience (Prayson & Rowe, 2019). Different forms of abuse such as bullying, insults, and sometimes physical violence are the most commonly reported forms of abuse that these individuals face. It is also reported that almost half of the transgender individuals do not live their complete preferred gender lives owing to these discriminatory acts.
There has not been sufficient attention directed towards LGBT workers globally, leaving them highly vulnerable to different forms of workplace violence. These forms of violence have their roots in the homes in which they live, and they are usually accompanied by rejection. Most societies around the world do not recognize LGBTQIA rights. It also takes a lot of effort to sensitize such communities on the issue and may often be greeted with violent rejection (García Johnson & Otto, 2019). There are also reports of some LGBTQIA communities experiencing attacks that have led to their deaths. These acts not only took place within the communities but also in their workplaces. There are also not enough labor rights that advocate for LGBTQIA rights. It is as if the members of these minority groups are not entitled to human rights as set out by the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Ethical Theories
In the build-up to curbing ethical malpractices at the workplaces on LGBTQIA members, different ethical theories may be applicable, such as the Deontology theory and the Social Exchange theory. According to the set societal guidelines, the Deontology theory relies on the existing sets of rules that define wrong or right. The guidelines define moral acts, while the actions that do not obey these guidelines are considered vices. Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher first introduced the theory. The application of the Deontological theory is essential in eliminating the levels of discrimination that the members of the LGBTQIA society face in the workplace (Koehn, 2017). It is one of the best theories that can help define the best courses of actions that individuals may take when handling each other at the workplace. It is clear that there are generally acceptable actions as ethical practices that may help maintain good coexistence within the workplace.
The deontological theory bases on virtue ethics that are considered the standard ways of doing things. The idea of virtue ethics is essential in deliberating how natural actions are defined based on their merits. The merits are usually measured against the problems or benefits that they are likely to generate when practiced. However, the main interest is usually the levels of positivity that the actions c...