Gay Tolerance Policy?

Originally submitted by: Ragin' Cajun

Dear A2ethics: I am a gay male and I am job-seeking in the Ann Arbor Area. Are you hiring? Anyway, my question is this: when I go to interviews with people I don't know, I am extremely self-conscious that the person across the desk is a homophobe who would never hire gay people to work for them in a million years. I know that I could be blowing things out of proportion, but I just want to be treated fairly. I want to know what the workplace is like, too. Is it a gay-friendly environment? How do I handle this? Should I come out to the interviewer and tell him/her what my deal is? Sincerely, The Ragin' Unemployed Cajun Dear Ragin', You might be better off asking to see their company fairness and tolerance policies. You may get your point across this way, and they may appreciate the opportunity to show you how tolerant they are. Furthermore, if you get a chance to tour the facility, you may get to talk to some employees and get a sense for the atmosphere, and whether or not you will feel comfortable there. Be careful not to interrogate your interviewer. They may very well be a tolerant individual who interviews a diverse array of people. They most likely would not be in the department of human resources if they had such prejudices as you fear they do. But nonetheless, you are good to investigate company policies without presuming that they hated you from the moment you walked in. A2ethics