Equality in the workplace is one of those seemingly desirable outcomes that always seem extremely elusive to achieve.  While considerable attention has been given to pay differentials between men and women, and between white and BAME employees, a new study from Anglia Ruskin University shows that similar gaps exist between heterosexual men and gay and bisexual men.

The researchers assessed 24 distinct studies from 2012 to 2020, which covered Australia, North America, and Europe.  The analysis found that gay men were earning nearly 7% less than heterosexual men across each of the countries studied, although the situation was especially bad in the United States, where pay was nearly 11% less for gay and bisexual men on average. Bisexual men fared even worse, and earned over 10% less than their heterosexual peers.

The situation was marginally better for women, although gay women still earned 7.1% less than heterosexual women, with bisexual women doing 5.1% worse than their straight peers.

Against the law

This clear pay discrepancy is despite prejudice against people on account of their sexual orientation being against the law in the countries assessed. For instance, in the UK, it was prohibited in 2010 under the Equality Act.

“The persistence of earnings penalties for gay men and bisexual men and women in the face of anti-discrimination policies represents a cause for concern,” the researchers say.  “Legislation and workplace guidelines should guarantee that people receive the same pay and not experience any form of workplace bias simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity status.”

“Inclusive policies should embrace diversity by encouraging under-represented groups to apply for jobs or promotions and providing support to LGBTIQ+ employees to raise concerns and receive fair treatment.”

“Standing against discrimination and celebrating and supporting LGBTIQ+ diversity should form a part of HR policies.”