Gays Experiences of Harassments in Heteronormative Workplaces in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory study is to understand in what forms gay men are harassed in heteronormative workplaces in Sri Lanka, using the theory of stigma of Erving Goffman. Employing qualitative research methodology, in-depth interviews with sixteen gay employees were conducted. According to the findings of the study we were able to identify how the respondents in heteronormative workplaces were subjected to numerous forms of harassment: 1) ostracism 2) rejection 3) offensive comments about the sexual orientation, 4) sexual innuendos, 5) frequent jokes and name calling, 6) sexual assault, 7) spreading rumors, 8) leering, 9) unwanted touching, patting and squeezing and 10) threats or bribes in exchange of sexual favors as heterosexist harassments. It was specifically revealed how the gays who are open about their sexuality and those who indicate a feminine disposition are the most common victims of these, mostly heterosexist, harassments at the workplace. The gays who are closeted and show masculine characteristics are less likely to be harassed, unless others suspect their sexuality due to some cue, since they are not openly identified by the society as gays. The findings clearly indicate how these different forms of harassment are a result of the respondents’ sexuality, indicating the need for organizations to intervene in preventing and handling these instances of harassment to create a safe work environment for the diversified workforce modern organizations have.