Supporting LGBTQ+ Staff Through Tough Times and Social Unrest

Over the past 20 years, working with LGBTQ+ youth, families, and in the non-profit sector, I’ve seen firsthand the toll that societal inequalities and constant barriers can take on LGBTQ+ individuals. I’ve also seen how workplaces that are proactive in supporting their LGBTQ+ staff can make a tremendous difference in their overall happiness at work and wellbeing. In this blog, I’ll share three actionable steps you can take to support your LGBTQ+ team members during times of crisis and social unrest.

As a leader, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when trying to create a safe and inclusive environment for all staff. It’s okay to be unsure about where to start or what steps to take, but don't let that uncertainty lead to inaction. Doing nothing can create an environment of distrust, leaving those who need the most support feeling unsupported. It may also suggest that diversity and inclusion efforts are just a checkbox rather than a genuine priority. If you’re unsure, acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and invite feedback on what’s working and what needs improvement. By being open to hearing from your staff about their needs, you can take proactive steps to create a workplace where all employees feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Taking Action

1. Acknowledge the Impact of Current Events When social unrest or political tensions arise, it’s essential to acknowledge how these events may affect your LGBTQ+ employees. A simple, heartfelt message like, “We understand that recent events have been difficult for many of you, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re here to support you,” can mean so much in showing empathy and care. Sometimes, staying silent can be more harmful than saying the wrong thing, so it’s important to speak up. The more genuine and sincere your words, the more they will resonate with your team. Company-wide statements are an opportunity to show you care, even if you’re unsure of the perfect words. A message like, “We may not have all the answers, but we’re here for you,” can go a long way in showing your commitment.

2. Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment

If you haven’t already created this environment, doing so during times of uncertainty or social unrest can be much harder. Creating a truly safe space requires trust, and trust takes time to build. If that trust isn’t there yet, you might need to focus on establishing it first. Start by ensuring your organization has clear, written policies protecting LGBTQ+ staff from discrimination and harassment. Display LGBTQ+-inclusive signage or symbols in common areas and consistently remind everyone of your commitment to diversity and inclusion. As you build trust over time, your staff will be more likely to feel comfortable reaching out for support when they need it, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Create safe spaces for employees to voice their concerns—whether through one-on-one conversations with managers, open forums, or employee resource groups. Let your team know that their feelings are valid and that their well-being truly matters to the company.

3. Encourage Staff to access their existing Mental Health Support

Mental health support is especially important during times of crisis, and for LGBTQ+ staff, who may already be dealing with additional stressors like discrimination or fear of harassment, it can be even more crucial. We know that many employees haven’t always taken full advantage of the mental health resources available to them, but in moments like these, it's important to remind everyone that these services are there to help, and they can make a real difference. If you’re unsure where to start, send out an email to your team with clear steps on how to access mental health resources, whether through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or LGBTQ+ affirming counseling services. Let them know these services are there for them and encourage them to reach out without fear of judgment. For employees who might feel unsure or overwhelmed by the process, offer to meet with them one-on-one to navigate the resources together. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to support them can make all the difference. Your support can help employees feel empowered and able to take the steps they need to care for their mental health during difficult times.

Ongoing Support The way you respond to the needs of your LGBTQ+ staff during difficult times can have a lasting impact on their well-being and ability to show up fully as themselves to work. By acknowledging the challenges of social unrest, creating an authentic inclusive environment, and offering mental health support, you can help your LGBTQ+ team feel supported and valued. However, it’s important to remember that your efforts shouldn’t stop there. The real work lies in continually learning from your employees' responses and experiences. Pay attention to their feedback and gauge how they feel about the support they’ve received. Did your efforts resonate with them? Are there areas where they still feel unseen or unheard? Use this valuable feedback to fine-tune your approach and make adjustments where needed.

Building a supportive workplace is an ongoing process. It’s essential to regularly assess whether your team feels safe, included, and respected, not just during crises but throughout everyday interactions. This means being open to evolving your policies, programs, and communications as the needs of your employees grow and change. Consider checking in regularly with your LGBTQ+ staff through surveys, focus groups, or informal conversations to ensure their needs are being met and to learn about their experiences. This ongoing dialogue shows that you are genuinely invested in their well-being and committed to creating a space where they can thrive. Thank you for wanting to do better and be better for your team and workplace. Feel free to adapt these suggestions to fit the unique needs of your organization. If you would like additional support implementing these ideas contact us at emily@wirthworks.com