Navigating Work as LGBTQ+: A Practical Guide

Name: Navigating Work as LGBTQ+: A Practical Guide
Rating: 4.5 (50 reviews)

Handle real workplace decisions • Coming out, bias, trust, and difficult conversations

Created byRon Trucks, MBA, Explainer-In-Chief, Nikki Harrington

Last updated 3/2026

English

What you'll learn

Decide if, when, and how to come out at work
Read your workplace and assess what’s safe, supportive, or risky
Handle microaggressions, bias, or uncomfortable situations in real time
Navigate conversations with coworkers, managers, or clients
Set boundaries while still building trust and professional relationships
Make career decisions that align with your identity and long-term goals
Recognize when to stay, adapt, or move on from a workplace

Course content

6 sections • 27 lectures • 2h 17m total length

Course Overview3:07
Let's kick off with a short lesson explaining how the course will progress.
What This Course Is... And Isn't3:54
If there was a "magic button" to help you navigate all this, we would definitely give it to you. Next best thing is to understand how we can (and can't) give you answers to situations.
So We're On The Same Page...5:53
Lesbian • Gay • Bisexual • Transgender • Queer • Intersex... Those are the "easy" terms. Let's make sure we're on the same page with some others, too.
WAY Too Big To Have Single Answers4:58
How do you approach a BIG topic like this? Let us show you...
Tips for the Experience1:34
Every one of us learn differently. This lesson shows you some tips and tricks to personalize the learning experience just for you.

Where Everything Stands1:38
Where do you start? Well, let's figure that out...
Understanding the Workplace - Policies4:58
Of the three basic elements of the workplace, policies are usually the easiest to locate and understand.
Understanding the Workplace - Culture5:45
We've all walked in and felt the "vibe". The lesson digs into what that means for the workplace.
Understanding the Workplace - Leadership7:39
There are leaders... And then there are leaders... Some are formal and others, not so much. Dig into how all of them affect how the workplace operates.
Challenges Specific to Conservative/Hostile Workplace Cultures11:31
Workplaces hostile to LGBTQ+ issues come in a wide variety. Understand what they are and challenges specific to them.
Make Connections! • Where are the Resources?3:52
What's the FIRST step in connecting with other members of the LGBTQ+ workforce? That's easy! Just watch this lesson...
Quiz - Section 2
Project - Section 2

You'll Never Be "Done" Coming Out2:34
This isn't a "one and done" situation. Not even when you're coming out to yourself. Let's look at why.
Am I Safe To Come Out At Work?2:56
The number one priority is YOUR SAFETY!
Time And Place Matter2:15
Coming out to coworkers can be challenging at best. Making sure the actual environment doesn't make it more difficult is vital.
When Things Don't Go As Planned3:38
Unfortunately, things don't always go as you hoped they would. What next?
History and Where We Stand - International7:27
Here's a short side trip to look at how some international countries have come to where they currently are.
Quiz - Section 3
Project - Section 3

Advocating For Yourself And Others2:19
Sometimes it isn't just about standing up for yourself. Sometimes it about helping others, too.
Creating A Diverse Community1:41
No question about it... A diverse workforce is a more productive (and profitable) workforce.
Understanding Intersectionality2:43
You are not "just one thing." Let's look at how the many parts of you mix and affect this navigating process.
Some More History - USA10:11
Another short side trip to look at what has brought the American workplace to where it is for the LBGTQ+ community.
Quiz - Section 4
Project - Section 4

Recognizing YOUR Strengths5:26
You've assessed what's going on in your workplace. Now, let's look at YOU!
Building Confidence8:18
EVERY single one of us have strengths we bring to the game. Sometimes, we just need to sit down and think about what they are.
And Meaningful Networks7:31
In business in general, it's about WHO you know. When it comes to navigating the workplace as a member of the LGBTQ+ community... It's REALLY about who you know.
Fostering Inclusivity8:24
What can you do to help that sense of community at work and assist others in accepting your journey... And theirs!
But That's Not EXACTLY My Situation2:50
"Ok... But that doesn't EXACTLY reflect what I'm going through." No, it most likely won't. So how do you handle that? Let's find out.
Where We Stand - USA4:30
So where does the USA stand right now for LGBTQ+ Workplace Rights and Environments? Well, let's have a chat.
Quiz - Section 5
Project - Section 5

Requirements

You don’t need any special background - just a willingness to think things through and take up space in a way that feels true to you.
This course is for anyone who wants to feel more prepared and more confident, whether you're out at work or still figuring it out.

Description

Being LGBTQ+ at work can mean constantly making decisions most people never think about.

When to speak up.
Who to trust.
How much to share.
And what to do when something feels off.

This course helps you think through those decisions with clear, practical guidance you can actually use.

Instead of vague advice, you’ll work through real workplace situations and how to handle them in a way that fits your goals, your comfort level, and your environment. You’ll explore situations like:

Deciding whether, when, and how to come out at work
Reading your workplace and understanding what’s safe or not
Handling microaggressions, bias, or uncomfortable moments
Navigating conversations with coworkers, managers, or clients
Building trust while protecting your own boundaries
Figuring out what success at work looks like for you

You’ll also get context that helps you understand why these situations exist in the first place — including workplace norms, expectations, and the realities many LGBTQ+ employees face. You’ll walk away with:

A clearer way to think through difficult workplace decisions
Practical options for handling real situations, not just theory
More confidence in conversations that feel uncertain or high-stakes
A better sense of how to protect your boundaries while still growing professionally
Tools to build a version of work that actually works for you

This isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about helping you make better decisions in situations that don’t come with clear answers.

If you’re tired of vague advice and want something real, this course gives you a place to start.

Who this course is for:

LGBTQ+ team members trying to navigate real workplace situations
Anyone unsure how much to share, when to speak up, or who to trust
People dealing with uncomfortable moments, bias, or mixed signals at work
Professionals who want to build a version of work that actually works for them

Navigating Work as LGBTQ+: A Practical Guide

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Course Introduction5 lectures • 19min

Understanding LGBTQ+ Workplace Dynamics6 lectures • 35min

Overcoming Challenges / Coming Out in the Workplace5 lectures • 19min

Creating Inclusive Workplaces4 lectures • 17min

Leveraging Identity / Building Connections and Networks6 lectures • 37min

Let's Wrap Up1 lecture • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: