The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

Abstract

The present article explores the complexities of sexual orientation disclosure in the workplace and attempts to identify factors that may facilitate positive or exacerbate negative disclosure experiences from the perspectives of gay and lesbian employees (Study 1) and heterosexual coworkers (Study 2). Content analyses of narrative descriptions of “coming out” experiences suggest that the supportiveness of the climate of an organization may be more critical than timing or method of disclosure for gay and lesbian individuals. Reports from heterosexual individuals, however, suggest that timing of disclosure is meaningful over and above their own attitudes toward homosexuality and the organization's climate. These results indicate that both situational and contextual characteristics influence disclosure encounters and that disclosers' and recipients' experiences may differ in the extent to which they are influenced by each of these factors.