BACKGROUND: The South African constitution protects the rights of
gays; however in the workplace gays experience discrimination and
marginalization. As a result of marginalization they struggle to reach their
potential regarding career development and the fulfilment of their worker
role.
OBJECTIVE: The study explored the experiences and perceptions of
gay males with regard to acquiring and maintaining their worker roles.
METHODS: The study is phenomenological and qualitative in design.
Eleven of these men participated in two focus groups. One male participated
in two in-depth interviews and one interview was conducted with a key
informant.
RESULTS: Three themes emerged: 1) Being boxed in, 2) The glass
ceiling, 3) This is where I can wear my feather boa.
CONCLUSIONS: The study findings clearly depicted the many barriers
experienced by homosexual men and how this negatively impacts on their
worker role. Minimal facilitatory factors exist, to assist gay males %in
with
regard to their worker role. It was found that homo-prejudice still exists
in South Africa and its workplaces and has a negative impact not only on gay
men's worker role but also their well-being. This significantly highlights
the great need for occupational therapy intervention in the lives of these
gay men, and their workplaces.
