{"id":354818,"date":"2023-04-06T14:10:11","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T19:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/what-to-do-if-you-re-lgbtq-and-face-microaggressions-in-the-wor.html"},"modified":"2026-06-02T09:02:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T14:02:00","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-re-lgbtq-and-face-microaggressions-in-the-wor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/what-to-do-if-you-re-lgbtq-and-face-microaggressions-in-the-wor.html","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Microaggressions and Discrimination in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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LGBTQ+ Microaggressions and Discrimination in the Workplace<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors that stem from stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community. These can range from misusing pronouns to asking invasive personal questions. In some cases, repeated microaggressions can contribute to a hostile work environment and might qualify as discrimination.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Microaggressions are negative comments that play on stereotypes about a group of people. The speaker may not intend the comments in a hostile manner. But the remarks can still have a serious impact on the hearer’s mental health. If not addressed, they can create a discriminatory and hostile work environment.<\/p>\n

Workplace microaggressions target all minorities. Although it has been 60 years since the March on Selma<\/a>, many still define “average” as white, cisgender, heterosexual, and male. People of color, women, lesbians, gays, and transgender individuals still face overt and covert discrimination.<\/p>\n

This article reviews the legal options for LGBTQ+ people experiencing microaggressions and other forms of discrimination in the workplace<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you’re living through microaggressions at work, you have options. Reaching out for support is not overreacting\u2014it\u2019s advocating for yourself in a system where you have rights. Contact an employment law attorney<\/a> near you for help.<\/p>\n

What Are Microaggressions?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Microaggressions\u00a0are comments or acts that stem from stereotypes or preconceptions. They tend to invalidate the other person’s experiences. Microaggressions are not always intentionally hurtful; in some cases, the speaker may be seeking information. However, unintentional microaggressions can be just as harmful as intentional ones.<\/p>\n

Those in the LGBTQ+ community often experience microaggressions at work<\/a>. Some examples of microaggressions toward LGBTQ+ people in the workplace include:<\/p>\n