Careers Service

Sexual Orientation

Although there is no legal reason you have to disclose your sexual orientation to an employer whether you identify yourself as gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual, the Equality Act protects you against discrimination if you do decide to disclose. It is illegal for an employer to directly or indirectly discriminate against you on the basis of your sexual orientation throughout the application process as well as when you are in the workplace.

• Equality & Diversity - Sexual Orientation Information from TARGET Jobs. Find out more about your rights and disclosure.
• LGBT - What the Equality Act means for you Learn more about the Equality Act and the rights it gives you around sexual orientation.

Support and advice

The following websites may be of use to you.

• LGBT Foundation Get news, support, information and advice.
• Stonewall Campaign group supporting the LGBT community.

Finding LGBT friendly employers

Graduate Employers

Many graduate employers are recognising the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce. Use employer websites in order to find out the different initiatives they may be involved in or support in place for LGBT staff within the workplace. Employee profiles may also be a good way to gauge how diverse the workforce is. The following resources produced by LGBT campaign group Stonewall give you an insight into LGBT friendly employers and sectors.

• Stonewall Top 100 employers list 2018
• Starting Out 2017/18 LGBT Careers Guide
• Members of the Employment Network for Equality & Inclusion

Internships & Work Experience

A number of other programmes, internships and insight days also exist that are specifically designed for LGBT students and graduates. Below is a list of some of the opportunities you may be interested in.

• Inside & Out Investment banking internship open to 1st and 2nd year university LGBT students.
• DiversCity in Law Event for LGBT students interested in a career as a lawyer in the City.