To be or not to be out of the closet? – LGB social workers’ visibility management in the workplace in Greece

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative study explores Greek lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) social workers’ visibility management in the workplace. Findings revealed a pattern of participants going in and out of the closet in different workplaces, as well as making a profitability analysis where they calculated the gain versus the cost of disclosure in each particular context. Participants, influenced by individual and organizational level factors, employed a variety of strategies to manage levels of disclosure across diverse work relationships and situations. The implications of this visibility management for workplace policy and social work practice are discussed.