Conceptualizing discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers in the unbounded workplace

Abstract

The workplace is a key space where LGBTQ+ people face discrimination leading to mental health distress. This paper shows how spatial attributes of work shape experiences and perceptions of discrimination and mental health distress. Building on minority stress theory, we demonstrate how spatial attributes of work can cause, amplify, or mitigate mental health distress among LGBTQ+ people through direct and indirect mechanisms, such as anticipated discrimination, perceived discrimination, and the availability of coping devices. Our findings suggest that understanding the connection between workplace discrimination and poor mental health requires a more nuanced understanding of the workplace, highlighting how workplace stressors are simultaneously emplaced in and exceed the spatiotemporal bounds of the workplace.