Identity-Based Workplace Discrimination in Romania. Experiences of LGBTQ Community Members

Abstract

Among challenges faced by LGBTQ community members throughout the world, workplace discrimination is one that can heavily influence how these individuals adjust their behavior in organizational settings. This study investigates perceptions of workplace discrimination experienced by members of the LGBTQ community in Romania in order to map discrimination patterns and the effects felt by the participants. Through the ten interviews conducted with employees of various organizations from various Romanian cities, this research shows that discrimination is perceived to engender both positive and negative effects, and the timing of coming out is found to be an important factor. Whereas the participants’ relationship to their supervisors might not suffer dramatic changes, coworkers seem to engage in various forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, such as microaggressions.