Resumen de LGBT-Heterosexual Differences in Perceptions of Fair Treatment in the Federal Service

Gregory B. Lewis, David W. Pitts

• Although we still lack objective data on treatment of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBTs) in the federal service, a huge recent survey of federal employees allows us to compare LGBT and heterosexual employees’ perceptions of the treatment they receive. LGBTs have several reasons for more negative perceptions of their treatment: 70 years of federal policies that explicitly discriminated against LGBTs in large and small ways; sizable minorities who still condemn homosexuality even as public attitudes are increasingly accepting; and continuing pay gaps between comparably educated and experienced gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) and heterosexual men in the general economy. We examine differences in satisfaction with pay, performance appraisals, promotions, raises, prohibited personnel practices, commitment to diversity, agency leadership, and relationships with supervisors and co-workers. LGBTs are less satisfied with their treatment across the board.