Federal Employees & Sexual Orientation in the Workplace Policy, Perception & Protections

Prior to 1975, Federal Government policy considered an individual's sexual orientation when determining suitability for Federal employment. Although we will never know the exact number of individuals who were denied employment or who had their employment terminated based on their actual or assumed sexual orientation, one estimate places this number between 7,000 and 10,000 in the 1950's alone. Federal law now prohibits discrimination in employment based on a number of factors, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age. This book examines sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment, and provides policies, perception, and protections against discrimination in the workplace.