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.

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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...

   Unless indicated, it’s all free, and may be reproduced. It’s my hope that you’ll share these books, DVDs, exhibitions, interviews, presentations, and other materials widely. Translate them into another language if you’d like. The only stipulations are that you cite the source, and not sell the resources. They are all copyrighted.
      I’ve had an extraordinary, completely unintended, but most satisfying, joyful life as an educator on LGBTQ issues. From the moment I drank the turpentine, and had my stomach pumped, I promised myself, as I cried on the gurney in the emergency room, that I would never again live my life based on other people’s images or expectations of me. I grew up wanting to be a saint, and came to realize that a saint is that thing in the world that the light shines through. So, I came out, got fired, and started writing and speaking, always at the invitation of others.
   None of what I accomplished in my life would have been possible without Ray Struble, my boyfriend, lover, best friend, and spouse since 1976. He gave me all of the emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial support I needed to initially write and speak for free. So, all of these resources are a gift from Ray also.
     There are others to thank too, such as the folks at public television station, KBDI, in Denver, who said “yes” to having their three programs made available. The LGBT Employee Resource Group at AT&T, named LEAGUE, helped me make the DVD, Gay Issues in the Workplace. My friend, Ron Robin, is responsible for the first DVD, On Being Gay. Dan Brown has been distributing my resources for years. None of us do what we do alone.

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?

Now available
for free with Kindle Unlimited