Factors associated with sexual identity disclosure in the workplace by gay men and lesbians : a couples study

Associations between internalised homophobia, workplace non-discrimination policies and sexual identity disclosure at work in gay men and lesbians at an individual and dyad level have been previously identified (Rostosky & Riggle, 2002). The current study was concerned with the further investigation of these relationships as well as examination of associations between gender, relationship duration, and work disclosure. Participants were 86 individuals, comprising 22 male and 21 female same-gender couples recruited through snowball sampling. All predictor variables were significantly correlated with disclosure. A multiple regression analysis indicated that internalised homophobia and workplace non-discrimination policies both make a significant unique contribution to work disclosure, with internalised homophobia making the strongest contribution. Multilevel analysis found no significant partner effects. Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing internalised homophobia and increasing workplace non-discrimination policies at the individual level may facilitate sexual identity disclosure in the workplace.