Brian McNaught

In the following viewpoint, Brian McNaught maintains that gays and lesbians face pervasive discrimination in the workplace.This discrimination, the author argues, stems from the attitudes, assumptions, and behaviors of coworkers and often makes it difficult for gay employees to be fully productive. McNaught concludes that eliminating antigay discrimination in the workplace requires that employers openly advocate tolerance and educate employees on gay issues. McNaught, a workplace consultant on gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues, has published and produced numerous educational materials on homosexuality and on AIDS. He is also the author of On Being Gay and Gay Issues in the Workplace, from which this viewpoint is taken.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is heterosexism, according to McNaught"
2. In the author’s opinion, what is the difference between heterosexism and homophobia"
3. According to McNaught, how...