Sexuality-Free Careers?: Sexual Minority Young Adults Perceived Lack of Labor Market Disadvantages

• In Event: 344 - Section on Organizations, Occupations and Work Paper Session. Sexual Minorities and Work (co-sponsored with Section on Sex and Gender)

Abstract

In recent studies, many young sexual minorities report that their minority status has not undermined their career plans, despite the persistent heteronormativity in schools, work, and family. By analyzing in-depth interviews of 34 sexual minority young adults, this paper examines how they develop such a perception. Their explanations involved five elements—distancing themselves from stereotypical sexual minorities, overlooking their adaptive behaviors, describing their future careers as sexuality-free, and maintaining a general sense of hopes and optimism. Some sexual minorities even anticipated positive career consequences by pointing out three advantages of sexual minority status, including a strong motivation for career achievement, favorable treatments from employers and bosses, and unique skills and abilities. We interpret the results by conceptualizing their career plans as a part of their life stories, and discuss implications of such stories at the individual and societal levels.

Authors

• Koji Ueno, Florida State University

• Abraham E Pena-Talamantes, Florida State University

• Teresa Roach, Florida State University

• Amanda N Nix, Florida State University

• Lacey Ritter, Florida State University