ERIC Number: EJ1090015
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1939-4225
EISSN: N/A
Retaliatory Strike or Fired with Cause: A Case Study of Gay Identity Disclosure and Law Enforcement
Collins, Joshua C.
New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development, v28 n1 p23-45 Win 2016
A relatively small amount of HRD research has focused on issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The majority that does exist tends to focus on issues assumed to cut across the entire LGBT community. However, a need exists for research that identifies and articulates the varied experiences of each of these identity groups. One emerging area of HRD research is to look at the experiences of gay men working in masculinized industries, where dated stereotypes regarding masculinity and sexuality often position gay men as exceptions to assumed male privilege. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of one gay male former law enforcement officer and how (non)disclosure in the masculinized industry context of law enforcement influenced and constrained his work experiences. The subject for the case was Mike Verdugo, formerly of the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department. Findings highlight the plausibility that a gay law enforcement officer might choose to come out at work because he dreads the potential repercussions of being outed by someone else in an environment that often produces conflicting narratives regarding being gay. Implications for HRD are discussed across the domains of learning, support, assessment, and research. It is suggested that HRD develop strategies to combat stigma and stereotypes related to gay identity, while actively seeking alternatives to accepted training, career development, and organizational norms.
Descriptors: Human Resources, Personnel Management, Homosexuality, Males, Masculinity, Stereotypes, Law Enforcement, Police, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Work Experience, Case Studies, Career Development, Organizational Culture, Norms
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A