Pride network established for public service employees

There is a new network geared to connecting with and providing an open dialogue with Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual employees in the federal public service. Visit the Public Service Pride Network’s website (www.publicservicepride.ca) for information on its plans and activities.

The organization reports that while many of its members enjoy excellent work conditions, others point to the following problems:

• Workplace Harassment – Some GBLT members work in hostile environments and are targeted because of their orientation / gender identity.
• Invisibility – Many GBLT members are afraid to come out of the closet, afraid of personal, social or professional repercussions.
• The "pink glass" ceiling – Some GBLT members often feel their careers have stalled. They complain that because they are openly gay, they have little chance for career advancement.
• Isolation – GBLT members often spend long periods of time in work environments without having any contact with other GBLT colleagues. This is particularly true outside Canada’s largest cities and in rural communities.

This group is not considered by the employer to be an official Equity Group. No statistics are kept, and until the 2001 Canadian Census, no information was available to begin an analysis the social, employment and economic issues for this group. While the 2001 census did ask the question "Are you in a same sex relationship", many GLBT citizens did not reply affirmatively to the question from fear of consequences. As well, the census did not capture any further information about this community, making it unlikely that they will be identified as an Equity Group within the next several years – if ever. However, most unions have always been inclusive of this group, including the PSAC and the CEIU.