Could do better - an interview with researcher, Prue Hyman

The workplace is safer for GLBT people since homosexual law reform, but there is still room for improvement, says Victoria University gender and women’s studies research associate Prue Hyman.

GLBT people are not very visible in the corridors of power, although the current government has been supportive of them, Hyman says. “While gay representation is good in Parliament, I haven’t seen a single person who’s out that is the head of a major corporation.”

In some professions, such as teaching, coming out as gay is still problematic, even though there is so much evidence to show that children are more at risk from inappropriate behaviour by heterosexuals, she says. “There are particular areas of sensitivities around schools and young people – that is an area where people are reluctant to come out. On the other hand, some teachers are openly gay, and say it’s safer for them that way.”

“I think sometimes that we think it’s become cool and more acceptable than it was to be gay. But it just isn’t true for everyone. There are still big problems with the religious right and there are still just plain bigots.”