Over 60% of Canadians believe being gay or lesbian can jeopardise a professional career

A survey conducted by Leger Marketing, for Fondation Émergence and Gai Écoute in preparation for the fourth edition of the National Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2006, confirms that homophobia in the workplace continues to exist. Over 60% of respondents believe that if gays and lesbians reveal their sexual orientation in the workplace, it can be harmful to their professional career.

Acceptance by management and colleagues

Over half of Canadians surveyed feel that for people who openly state being gay or lesbian, it is difficult to gain acceptance by management and colleagues as well as by clients with whom they do business. In addition, over one quarter of respondents (28%) say they have witnessed hostile behaviour toward someone in the workplace who is gay or lesbian.

Gay or Lesbian boss

Three out of four Canadians (75%) entirely or somewhat agree that a gay or lesbian boss has as much credibility among his or her employees as a heterosexual boss.

The survey shows the usual trend in which, compared to those in other areas of Canada, Quebecers display a greater openness towards gay and lesbian realities. The survey was conducted from April 18 to 23, 2006, with a sample of 1,525 Canadians and a margin of error of ± 2.6%, 19 times out of 20.