PRCA REVEALS MORE WORK TO BE DONE FOR EQUALITY IN PR AND COMMS INDUSTRY
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Advocacy Report led by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in partnership with YouGov, found that a fifth of LGBTQ+ respondents have been subject to discrimination at work because of their sexual or gender identity.
The survey findings will be used by PRCA’s LGBTQ+ group to identify target areas for positive change in 2021. Majority of respondents were PR and comms professionals, while 40% identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, the results indicate acceptance and equality with 97% of respondents supporting same sex marriage. However, on closer analysis, the survey found conflicting results against this assumption of general equality. For example, only 84% of respondents believe that LGBTQ+ colleagues receive opportunities equal to those of their cisgender, heterosexual colleagues. Moreover, 29% of respondents were not aware of any LGBTQ+ colleagues holding senior leadership positions.
While the overall picture is one of positive progress, the survey shows there is work to be done to achieve true equality. “Discrimination in any form, no matter how small or harmless it may appear, should never be tolerated. But it’s clear from these results many LGBTQ+ people in our industry are experiencing it - and that can’t be overlooked” says Katie Traxton, chair of PRCA’s LGBTQ+ group.
All figures are from YouGov Plc. This study was conducted on an opt-in basis from a sample of 374 respondents between June and September 2020.