London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
Parenthood is often associated with joy, but it can also amplify the challenges faced by sexual minorities by increasing the visibility of their minority status and heightening stigma. This study explores how parenthood shapes the workplace experiences of sexual minority employees in comparison to childless sexual minorities and heterosexual employees. Specifically, this research investigates whether sexual minority parents encounter elevated levels of workplace stigma and mistreatment. The study also explores whether sexual minority employees feel greater pressure to conform to workplace norms and conceal their identities to avoid discrimination. Additionally, it examines how parenthood may impact perceptions of coworkers’ attitudes toward LGBTQ+ employees and their level of allyship. Data were collected from 542 U.S. participants who were in romantic relationships and working full-time. Among them, 319 identified as sexual minorities (gay/lesbian/bisexual), and 223 identified as heterosexual. Our findings reveal that sexual minority parents experienced greater workplace stigma, higher levels of façade of conformity, and less positive attitudes toward LGBTQ+ colleagues compared to sexual minorities without children and heterosexuals with and without children. Our findings provide critical insights into workplace equity, emphasizing the need for policies tailored to address the intersectionality of sexual orientation and family dynamics.
