SH.22.02
Sexual harassment of LGBTQ young people in the workplace and workplace training
December 2024
This mixed-methods research project investigated sexual harassment experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) young people (aged 14 to 30) in the workplace and at workplace training sites, within an intersectionality framework.
Population surveys have demonstrated higher prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual violence for LGBTQ people compared to cisgender, heterosexual populations. Trans people and lesbian and bisexual cisgender women experience the highest rates of sexual harassment within LGBTQ populations.
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Research aim/s
- Extend current understandings of sexual harassment of LGBTQ young people in the workplace and at workplace training sites.
- Explore how sexual harassment is experienced by LGBTQ young people facing intersecting disadvantages.
- Explore LGBTQ young people’s knowledge of their workplace and workplace training rights.
- Co-develop relevant resources for employers and LGBTQ young people.
Methods
This project incorporated qualitative methodologies across three key stages:
Stage one:
A national online survey of LGBTQ young people aged 14 to 30. The survey addressed participant demographics, understandings of sexual harassment, nature of behaviour experienced, bystander experiences, responses, impact on employment status, career aspirations, workplace belonging, health/wellbeing, financial security, and knowledge/understanding of workplace rights.
Stage two:
Individual interviews with LGBTQ young people.
Stage three:
Photo-elicitation, which provided young people the opportunity to tell their stories/lived experiences of sexual harassment through creative means, for example photos and other images. Interviews were conducted with young people who chose to participate in this method to discuss their photos/images.
Significance
This research provides new evidence on sexual harassment in the workplace and at workplace training sites from the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ young people. The intersectional framework underpinning the research design captures the complexity of sexual harassment experiences and responses. The framework addresses the influence of intersecting social inequalities related to LGBTQ young people’s multiple identities.
Findings will inform workplace policy, practice and targeted resources to mitigate sexual harassment of LGBTQ young people. Resources have been co-designed with young people and advisory committee members from relevant community organisations and industry, ensuring relevancy to maximise uptake of resources and implementation of findings.
Researchers
Project lead
Professor Kerry Robinson, Professor of Sociology, School of Social Sciences; and Director, Diversity & Human Rights Research Centre, Sexualities and Genders Research (SaGR), Translational Research Institute, Western Sydney University
Research team
Professor Jane Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology, Translational Research Institute and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University
Dr Cristyn Davies, Research Fellow, Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney; and Adjuct, School of Social Sciences, Sexualities & Genders Research (SaGR), Western Sydney University
Associate Professor Jacqueline Ullman, Associate Professor, School of Education, Western Sydney University
Dr Alex Hawkey, NMHRC Senior Research Fellow, Translational Research Institute and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University
Associate Professor Brahm Marjadi, Translational Research Institute and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University
Dr Paul Byron, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Digital & Social Media, University of Technology Sydney
Dr Kimberley Allison, Research Officer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
Dr Emma F. Jackson, Research Officer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
Dr Erika K. Smith, Research Officer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
Research partners
The project included research partners from Twenty10 and LGBTQ+ Health Australia, as well as an advisory committee comprising representatives from ACON and Queer Muslims alongside representatives from service providers and managers in relevant sectors across Australia.
Budget
$228,263 (excluding GST)
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.