Pride, but Is There Job Satisfaction for LGB Workers? Survey Based Evidence from the United States

In recent years there have been significant victories for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) persons in the United States. These victories include legalizing same-sex marriage and increasing visibility and acceptance in popular media. However, legal rights and increased representation do not always translate to day-to-day lives and working conditions. While scholars have examined many aspects of the lives of LGB individuals, few studies have explored job satisfaction, a critical component of quality of life. This study addresses this limitation by exploring this vital relationship using nationally representative data. Using data from Wave 5 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health, this study examined job satisfaction for LGB persons. Controlling for demographic and workplace contextual factors, LGB workers had lower levels of job satisfaction than their heterosexual counterparts. The results of the study suggest the implementation of policies and practices to ensure greater levels of job satisfaction for LGB workers.