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(Viewpoints writer) Gary Clark implicitly advocates a double standard of professionalism for gays and straights.
According to him, gay people should be compelled to make a secret of their sexual orientation in the workplace, under a policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
However, he, as a journalist, feels entitled to proclaim his heterosexuality in his October 11 Viewpoints article.
His argument is built on the fallacy that one only discloses sexual orientation by discussing sex.
The fact is, announcing one’s engagement to co-workers, introducing one’s spouse, as such, at a staff Christmas party or even participating truthfully in a lunchroom conversation about which celebrities one finds attractive all involve disclosure of sexual orientation.
What are the limits of Mr. Clark’s definition of workplace “speech?”
In the name of professionalism, would he be forbidden to display a photograph of his wife on his desk?
Would we be required to discreetly pocket our wedding rings, upon entering our places of employment?
The problem is that discrimination against people in the workplace, based upon their sexual or perceived sexual orientation, has taken place.
That’s why the Employment Non-Discrimination Act was written.
Sincerely,
Trinidad Tonies,
Student
