When Being Yourself Felt Like a Risk

For many LGBTQIA+ workers, being accepted at work has not always been a given. While workplaces across Australia have become more inclusive over time, many workers still carry memories of a period when being open about their sexuality could come with judgment, isolation, or discrimination.

One transport worker, who we will call Alex, remembers those challenges all too well.

In the late 1980s, Alex owned a small truck delivering packages around Sydney. At the time, he was questioning his sexuality while working in an industry that was overwhelmingly male-dominated and where being openly gay was often seen as unacceptable. Like many LGBTQIA+ people of his generation, Alex carefully managed who he shared his personal life with and where he felt safe being himself.

While working for a transport company in Sydney, rumours about Alex’s sexuality began circulating among workers. On one occasion, a co-worker made a comment over the two-way radio about Alex’s boyfriend, a remark that was heard by the entire workforce. Although some colleagues were accepting when they got to know him personally, the incident reinforced the reality that being different could make someone the subject of workplace gossip.

“Back then, you had to be very selective about who you told and where you told them,” Alex recalls.

The pressure extended beyond the workplace. While Alex’s parents accepted his partner, he often felt there was an underlying disappointment that was never openly addressed. Years later, tensions came to a head during a phone call with his father, who directed deeply hurtful comments toward him about his sexuality. For the first time, Alex stood up for himself and ended the conversation.

Just weeks later, his father was admitted to hospital for routine surgery. Still carrying the pain of their last conversation, Alex chose not to visit. Before they had the chance to reconcile, his father unexpectedly passed away. Living hours away, Alex learned of his death over the phone and never had the opportunity to speak with him again.

The loss had a profound impact. Grief, regret and unresolved trauma began affecting every part of his life. Alex describes becoming increasingly angry, withdrawn and difficult to be around. Eventually, he sought medical help and was diagnosed with severe depression.

At his lowest point, even receiving support proved difficult. Some managers struggled to understand what he was experiencing, reflecting a broader lack of awareness around mental health that was common at the time. While treatment and recovery took years, Alex persevered with the support of his partner and healthcare professionals.

Looking back today, Alex says the transport industry has changed significantly. He feels far more comfortable being open about his sexuality than he ever did in the early days of his career. While challenges still exist, he believes attitudes have improved and that younger LGBTQIA+ workers are entering a more accepting industry than the one he first joined.

Alex’s story is a reminder that behind every worker is a personal journey that others may never fully see. It highlights the importance of respect, inclusion and understanding in our workplaces, and why creating safe environments for LGBTQIA+ workers continues to matter.

No worker should feel they need to hide who they are to earn a living. Every worker deserves dignity, respect and the freedom to be themselves.