Straight jobs, gay lives

The men and women who discuss their experiences in Straight Jobs, Gay Lives talk frankly about such issues as coming out versus being closeted in the workplace, harassment, discrimination, health and insurance benefits, resources and support groups, and the differences between the experiences of gay men and lesbians. Straight Jobs, Gay Lives includes hundreds of personal stories of men and women of all ages and races at all career stages to provide an exhaustive, comprehensive, and readable guide to being gay and succeeding in the American workplace. Straight Jobs, Gay Lives provides insight into how gay graduates feel about their personal lives and their jobs - from the incredible highs that the business world has to offer to the incredible frustrations with the "lavender ceiling." Annette Friskopp and Sharon Silverstein interview men and women, some closeted for their entire careers, afraid of what exposure might mean, and others who are open about their sexuality from their first day on the job. The authors talk with gay professionals who are self-employed, who work for small companies, who work in prestigious consulting firms, investment banks, or for Fortune 500 multinationals. The result is a book that will provide gay readers with the encouragement, information, and support that they need to navigate in today's fast-changing business world and will be a valuable tool for heterosexual managers as well. Friskopp and Silverstein highlight the challenges and opportunities for productivity enhancement that managers of a diverse workplace face, from benefits issues to office politics. Also in the book are some of the most comprehensive and up-to-date listings ever published regarding companies with nondiscrimination policies and domestic partner benefits; contact listings for gay employee groups and gay professional groups nationwide; and an overwhelming list of resource materials and guides.