LGBTQ+ in the Construction Industry

In a survey by Construction News in 2019, it was found that 28% of workers in the construction industry faced LGBTQ-phobic abuse at work. They also found that 54% in the LGBTQ+ community who work in the industry aren’t comfortable being out on-site, and 60% said being LGBTQ+ had a negative impact on their career.

We spoke to Andrew Owens, an SMSTS Industrial Coatings Supervisor, about his experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community working in the construction industry.

Coming Out in Construction

Andrew got into the industry after meeting the senior manager of an industrial painting company at a local pub and started as an apprentice with on-the-job training. Though things have started to improve in recent years, when Andrew started out in the industry, there were a lot of stereotypes he had to overcome.

“I think a lot of people were surprised as I didn’t fit their stereotype for a guy working in construction,” Andrew explained. “I was rough and ready, and liked football.” Although it was easier at first, eventually the questions started coming up that were “awkward, uncomfortable, and often crude.”

Though he worked hard to gain experience and progress within his career, he would often face resentment from colleagues on-site, and found that “it would be like they hated getting outperformed by the gay guy.” Andrew also noticed that if he faced issues or things were a bit tough on-site, fellow workers would connect it to his sexuality, saying things like “Andrew is being hormonal again.”

A Long Way to Go

Although the industry has come a long way, Andrew feels there is still a long way to go.

“I still have moments where I hear comments that would offend me and others find that some people will have issues getting managed and instructed by a gay supervisor,” he said. “If they disagree with me, I am labelled with my sexuality as opposed to just Andrew.”

Ideally, Andrew commented, people shouldn’t be bothered about your sexuality when at work – or at all. “Who I love should have no impact on who I am and how I perform and manage on a work site.”

Working Towards Change

Change can only come when we work for it. Andrew shared that LGBTQ+ and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are topics that need to feature in work site toolbox talks. “In an industry where we are trying to attract a diversely skilled workforce, we need to be comfortable and protected on-site,” he added.

Banter and joking around are common in many workplaces, but we need to be conscious about the kind of jokes we’re making and consider whether or not what we’re saying is hurting others. Andrew noted that these jokes can be at the expense of others. “I’ve had people say to me before, people who know I’m gay when I tell them I live in Brighton, ‘You better be careful around there, it’s full of gays.’” He added that while that may have been a throwaway comment for the person who made it, for him and any other gay person, it isn’t.

We appreciate Andrew sharing his story with us, and hope that more people in the LGBTQ+ community will feel comfortable enough now or in the future to share their story or be out on-site – but of course, change needs to happen so many can feel comfortable being open on-site. As Andrew pointed out, the construction industry is a diverse place to work already, and “we need to respect and look out for each other.”

If you’re feeling uncomfortable on-site because of comments about your sexuality, just know that you can speak to your Account Manager from PSI Global privately and confidentially. We’re here to listen, help, and support.