Being Out at Work Shouldn’t Feel Like a Risk
Why psychological safety is the foundation of true inclusion—not just for Pride Month
Kamy Charles
6/11/20251 min read
The Risk of Being Real
Coming out is never a one-time event—it’s a decision LGBTQ+ professionals navigate daily, especially in the workplace.
From meetings to introductions to team chats, many ask themselves:
Can I be honest about who I am here?
Will this affect how I’m seen, supported, or promoted?
The unfortunate truth: many still feel that authenticity equals risk.
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What Psychological Safety Really Looks Like
Psychological safety isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about creating a space where people feel secure enough to take interpersonal risks, including being fully themselves.
For LGBTQ+ professionals, that looks like: ✅ Talking about their weekend without fear
✅ Knowing HR policies will protect them and be enforced
✅ Believing their identity won’t be weaponized or marginalized
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Performative vs. Practical Inclusion
Many companies wave the Pride flag in June, but forget the work starts with:
Policy: Benefits, protections, anti-discrimination clauses
Practice: Addressing microaggressions, misgendering, and exclusion in real time
Presence: LGBTQ+ folks in leadership, not just on float days
Inclusion isn’t seasonal. It’s structural.
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Action Steps for Real Safety
🔹 Audit your culture, not just your calendar
🔹 Train leaders to handle hard conversations with care
🔹 Ask your LGBTQ+ employees how they’re experiencing the workplace, not just what perks they like
🔹 Celebrate authenticity year-round—not just in June
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Final Thought: Safe to Be Me
You should never have to weigh your livelihood against your identity.
When people feel safe, they shine.
When people feel seen, they succeed.