What Does Being Left-Handed Have to Do with LGBT+?

When I started at Sodexo back in 2010 I ‘closeted’ myself. I needed to assess whether my new environment would allow me to be myself. It was a step backwards. I’d been openly gay at my last job. It’s something that heterosexual people don’t have to think about. By: Nia Jordan, Deployment Manager,Supply Management for Sodexo Service Operations

But LGBT+ people will do this automatically whenever they’re in a new environment – from walking into a bar to being introduced to new people.

To help explain it to my heterosexual friends, I ask them to imagine that they’re left-handed. Not only that, but they’re left-handed in a world where most people think that being left-handed is abnormal, and a bit of a taboo.

In the office, they might not have to write much. But when they do, they make sure no-one is looking. When people pass them things, they make an effort to reach out with their right hand. They’re constantly aware, always keeping their guard up. It takes quite a lot of effort to hide this part of themselves.

They might have liked their work colleagues at first. But, over the years, some have made jokes about left-handed people while others laughed along.  They might think their jokes are harmless, but the left-handers now feel disconnected. Every day, it’s an effort to keep it a secret.

Being a left-handed person in this right-handed world isn’t easy. But like sexuality, it isn’t a choice. And that’s why it’s a good analogy to use.

Being open

It took me about three months to decide that my secret was ‘safe’ in the hands of my new Sodexo colleagues. The relief of being able to bring my whole self to work was immense.

Since I started working for Sodexo I’ve been promoted twice. That’s with all my work colleagues and line managers knowing that I’m a gay woman. To some heterosexual people, that might not seem like a big deal. But, to me, it really is.

Three years ago, the Diversity & Inclusion team asked if I’d be interested in setting up an LGBT+ employee network for my Sodexo UK & Ireland colleagues. I jumped at the chance and I’m now its co-chair.

I feel a responsibility to be a role model for other employees. We’re stronger together and having more people out and proudly helps to ‘normalise’ LGBT+ lives. Last year, for the first time, we walked as Sodexo in the London Pride parade. And this year we took part in both the London and Manchester Pride events.

It’s a very positive statement for Sodexo to make. It sends a powerful message to future employees, whether they are part of the LGBT+ community or not. As a company, we’re out and proud!

And that’s what we’ve done. We’ve nailed our colours to the mast, and they’re rainbow coloured.

Did you know

• LGBT+ employees who hide their sexuality are 73% more likely to leave their job within three years (Harvard Business Review).
• 24% of lesbians, 30% of gay men, 40% of bisexuals and 55% of transgender employees believe coming out could impact future promotions (Out Now LGBT 2020 study of US employees).
• Employees who conceal their sexuality at work can lose 30% productivity through time spent worrying about being outed, bullied or harassed at work, their career being affected and other factors (BITC).
• About 11% of people are left-handed.