Employmentweb_low

EmploymEnt, Work, And hEAlth InEquAlItIEs - a global perspective
Case study 43. Sexual orientation, work and health. - Jordi lozano
practices of a homosexual nature constitute a very widespread social phenomenon. according to the first Kinsey report,
published in the middle of the 20th century, the prevalence of the practice of exclusively homosexual relations was 3-4 per cent,
that of preferentially homosexual relations was 10 per cent, while some 30 per cent of the population had engaged in satisfying
voluntary homosexual relations at least once in their lives (Kinsey, pomeroy, & Martin, 1948). although the findings of later studies
have shown considerable variation depending on the historical, cultural and geographical context, it is agreed that homosexual
orientation is common and widespread among the population (Michaels & lhomond, 2006). despite their frequency, homosexual
practices have historically suffered considerable rejection and persecution in many countries. Major religions have often regarded
these practices as sinful, and much of society still considers them a crime punishable by imprisonment or even death.
the dominant culture continues to show considerable rejection of homosexuals due to prejudices associated with
abnormality, vice, sin or disease. it should not be forgotten that in the usa, homosexuality was considered a disease until 1973,
and that the world health organization did not exclude homosexuality from the international classification of diseases until
1990. today the situation of homosexuality is penalised in 86 countries, six of which still have capital punishment (ottosson, 2008;
international lesbian and gay association, 2008). the situation of legality does not, however, impede assaults and even the
murder of homosexuals or the diffusion of homophobia in society. this term, first coined in the mid-1950s, has been compared
to xenophobia or racism and means an irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals,
gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (borrilo, 2001). "internalised homophobia" on the other hand, is a term used to describe a
prejudice against one's own homosexuality, which affects self-esteem and self-acceptance (viñuales, 2002).
in general, social homophobia is related with the existence of a higher risk of suffering health-related problems. For
example, lesbians, gays and bisexuals have higher risks of attempting suicide (2.5 times), suffering depression (1.5 times) and
of abusing alcohol and other drugs (1.5 times) than heterosexuals (King et al., 2008). Male adolescent homosexuals in particular
constitute an especially vulnerable population whose risk of suicide is higher than that of people with a heterosexual orientation
(Kourany, 1987; remafedi, French, story, resnick, & blum, 1998; russell & Joyner, 2001). studies conducted in various northern
european countries suggest that, on average, life expectancy among the homosexual population is between 22 and 25 years
shorter (cameron & cameron, 2007).
in regard to the occupational and family settings, many homosexuals hide their sexual orientation and have lower self-esteem,
factors which are related with health inequalities. one occupational example which generates stress, depression and even despair is
the social rejection associated with hiv/aids. on one hand, homosexuals tend to avoid going to the doctor for fear of repression,
discrimination or stigmatisation, thus leading to a false picture of the situation with respect to infection in the population; and on the
other, seropositive homosexuals carry a double-stigma which not only reduces their self-esteem but also reduces engagement in
preventive practices. in those countries where homosexuality is penalised, homosexual labour rights are restricted and it is not easy
to perform studies on their health. protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation is only legislated in the european
union (as per the Fundamental rights expressed in the amsterdam treaty) and a few other countries. however, even when
discrimination is illegal, it may still be exercised in occupational settings, arising from a need to hide sexual orientation, fear of being
found out or through indirect forms of mobbing, all of which may have important effects on physical and mental health.
in the european union, canada, australia and certain states in the usa, where the level of social homophobia is lower, laws
have been passed which protect homosexuals from social, employment and work-related discrimination. one example is the
recognition by the council of europe in october 1981 of a person’s right to self-determine their sexual orientation, which
demands the elimination of all forms of discrimination against homosexual persons and of aversive therapies without consent.
Furthermore, the european parliament has approved anti-discriminatory recommendations related with sexual orientation,
treating same-sex couples equally in terms of marriage as well as the adoption and education of minors. it is also worth noting
that certain multinational firms, such as google and ibM, have developed policies facilitating the inclusion of the homosexual
population in occupational settings.
the case of José Carreño
José carreño, a 34-year old chilean, immigrated to spain in 2001. in chile he worked in a large firm where his
homosexuality was never a problem, since he hid the fact from his colleagues, effectively living a double life. he even pretended,
in day to day conversations at work, to have a girlfriend. a close female friend would accompany him to social events and appear
to be his partner. Maintaining this fiction caused him a certain amount of anxiety and stress.
carreño recalls having depression as an adolescent. he did not accept his homosexuality and isolated himself from his
surroundings. the topic of his sexual orientation, which was assumed to be heterosexual, was never mentioned in the family.
“one says nothing, and nobody asks”, he explains. however the recriminations began when he reached the age for having a
girlfriend. he did not pair up with any girl or marry. he continued lying to his friends whenever anyone made homophobic
insinuations, prompted by his not having a girlfriend. thanks to his work, he was able to leave home and avoid being the
neighbourhood “queer”. his work and business studies allowed him to lead his own medium-to-low social class lifestyle. he
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