Brian introduces a video explaining what to say, and how to create a respectful workplace that is inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender co-workers.

Almost half of college-educated professionals who identify as LGBT are not open about their sexual orientation at work. That's according to a recent study from the Center for Work-Life Policy. Host Michel Martin explores why that's the case with Brian McNaught, a corporate diversity consultant, and Karen Sumberg of the Center for Work-Life Policy. Listen here...
Brian tells his story for
OUTSPOKEN: Oral History from LGBTQ Pioneers

Why gays should come out at work
By Brian McNaught, Special to CNN
The CFO of a major bank pulled me aside awhile ago to ask my advice on how she should talk to a favorite, closeted, gay senior manager about his homosexuality. The secret he kept made it difficult for her to speak with him comfortably about their outside lives on things such as weekend and holiday plans.
I suggested that she sit with him privately, and say, with confidence and warmth, "You know, Tom, we've been friends for some time, and I've shared a good deal about myself and my family with you, but I feel I know very little about you. Is there anything that I'm doing that makes it difficult for you to talk with me?" She happily reported to me on my return visit that all went very well. He came out to her with relief and gratitude, but chose not to come out further to his peers. Read more...
with Kate Clinton, Urvashi Vaid, Richard Burns and others...
A Note from Brian
It’s been a great privilege to have spent my life as an educator on the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. I’ve done so through my books, DVDs, public and private presentations, interviews, and correspondence with those who asked for help. Since 1974, I’ve been working with primarily heterosexual audiences in college and corporate settings, helping people to better understand the unique challenges and gifts of LGBTQ people. My experience underscores that building bridges of mutual respect and appreciation requires putting a face on the issue. The most effective tool we have in educating others, and eliminating their fears or questions, is putting a face on the issue. That’s been my calling, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of LGBTQ people, and their families, in many places in the world.
Please find here, and help yourself to, the many resources I’ve created on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer issues since 1974.
visit the REVIEWS page for more publications and reviews...
This is a wonderfully preserved piece of history. Gayly Speaking was a ground-breaking radio program in Detroit. My weekly column had been dropped by The Michigan Catholic because I came out as gay in The Detroit News. Shortly prior, Detroit had added a clause to it’s city charter prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. The discussion with me, and others, focussed on whether the city charter covered the Catholic Church.
Gayly Speaking - 1974 Radio Interview with Brian McNaught

At Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and anniversaries, Ray surprised and delighted me with rare artifacts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, our history, and our culture. For many years, the only people who got to see our treasures were our dinner guests. So, when we learned that the local Stonewall Library and Archives had dedicated one room to it’s small collection of artifacts, we got involved personally and financially. Once we felt that the organization was truly dedicated to, and had the capability of being a serious national museum, we decided to host our collection there, making it available to the largest possible audience.
Ray and I spent summers in Provincetown, MA, for nearly 20 years. During that time, I hosted a talk show on Public Access Television that I named Stonewall Portraits - Profiles in Pride. My goal with each person I interviewed, many of whom were friends from the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement, was to present to viewers the powerful stories of self-affirmation, and actualization. Click here to see more Interviews
The Brian McNaught and Ray Struble Historical Collection of LGBTQ Artifacts
Hosted by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, Fort Lauderdale, FL


Walt Whitman signature
A letter from Gery Studds
"No one has done a better job of chronicling what it is like to be gay in America."
– U.S. Representative Barney Frank
Brian McNaught's Guide to LGBTQ Issues in the Workplace: What if I have employees with religious differences? I don't know the correct language? It's an unwelcoming environment?