Skip navigation | Skip to footer
Why is this important?

The information we provide differs between countries. To get information for your country, please select from the dropdown.

I am being teased about being gay. What can I do?

This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland

I am called names, and teased by my colleagues at work, because they think I am gay. I have spoken to my boss but he has done nothing about it, and says it’s just a bit of fun and I shouldn’t take it so seriously. What can I do?

Any behaviour like this in the workplace that upsets an individual, can amount to harassment. Employers are responsible for the actions of their staff, as well as staff being individually responsible for their behaviour towards their colleagues. If you are being harassed, your employer may be responsible unless they can show that they took all possible steps to prevent the harassment. It is unlawful to discriminate against, or to harass workers, because of their sexual orientation, whether the sexual orientation is real or not.

Since your boss is refusing to take your concerns seriously, you may want to raise a grievance with him. This should be in writing, and should be signed and dated. If you decide to make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must raise a written grievance before you do this.

If you think you have been discriminated against because of your sexuality, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission at: www.equalityhumanrights.com.

For more information about raising a written grievance with your boss, see Sorting out problems at work.

For more information in England, Wales and Scotland about discrimination at work because of sexuality, see What can I do if my employer treats me unfairly because of my sexuality, in Employment fact sheets.

For more information about other types of discrimination and harrassment in the workplace, see Basic rights at work.

Other Frequently asked questions about civil rights:

A to Z Index