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PERSPECTIVES OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) OLDER WORKERS

The perspectives of 520 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) workers ages 45+ are explored in this paper. Topics include why LGBT work, experiences with employment and caregiving, optimism/pessimism related to work, experiences with age discrimination in the workplace, and job-related actions (training, updating resumes, etc). The research also explores characteristics of their jobs and level of involvement in independent and contingent work. The paper will delve into how LGBT older workers differ from the non-LGBT population. Select results include: Nearly one in five (18%) employed older LGBT workers are concerned that they could lose their job within the next year. About 43 percent are not confident that they could find another job easily if they lost theirs. Reasons for pessimism include concerns about age discrimination, employers unwilling to pay for their experience/expertise, and an unfavorable job market. About one quarter are pessimistic about finding a new/another job because of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Older LGBT workers place a higher emphasis than non-LGBT workers on workplace culture characteristics that are inclusive. They are more likely to say a workplace that embraces diversity, that is free from discrimination, and one that values different perspectives and opinions would be required in a new job. We will also highlight how this research dovetails with other LGBT research from AARP. We will use the data to then highlight efforts we are making to positively impact the lives of LGBT older adults.