Issue
In June 2024, the Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution to authorize hearings to identify and address key disparities that impact LGBTQ residents in areas such as housing, employment, education, legal justice, and health care. The October hearing convened community members, service providers, academics, and advocacy leaders to share their insights and experiences. Christy Mallory, Legal Director for the Williams Institute, presented written testimony that summarized our research on employment discrimination against LGBTQ individuals both nationally and in Pennsylvania.
Impact
Though legal protections exist, employment discrimination and harassment targeting LGBTQ individuals remain prevalent and widespread. Research from the Williams Institute reveals that nearly half (47%) of LGBTQ employees in Pennsylvania have faced employment discrimination or harassment at some stage in their lives. Approximately 5% encountered employment discrimination or harassment within the year following the Supreme Court’s extension of non-discrimination protections under Title VII for LGBTQ employees across the nation.
Summary
This testimony presents research on the employment experiences of LGBTQ individuals to support the City Council’s ongoing commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by LGBTQ workers in Philadelphia. The author shares findings about the prevalence of discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ employees, both nationally and statewide, and their effects on LGBTQ health and well-being. Additionally, the testimony shows how employment discrimination and harassment not only harm employees but also impact employers as well as local and state governments.