Gender non-conformity and workplace discrimination : transgender experiences in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Transgender individuals in Sri Lanka face various types of discrimination in society, including workplace discrimination due to gender identity and sexual orientation. Lack of policy and regulation as well as discriminatory laws, make transgender people more vulnerable in the employment process. Focusing on the life stories of four transgender people who represent in both government and private media organizations, this research investigated the workplace experiences, including discrimination, that they face in their career life. The research also interviewed nine key informants working in media organizations. The research found that gender non-conforming people who work in the media industry have been experiencing discrimination in their employment process, including a lack of support from their colleagues, etc. Further, the research found, due to the existing laws which are implemented against sexual minority people in Sri Lanka and the complicated process of legal identity document change, gender non-conforming people face many difficulties in the job cycle. The research suggests law reform and policy change to protect sexual minority rights, as well as introducing new laws and implementing them against transgender discrimination in the employment process. IMPLICATION OF THESIS: This research not only enables us to understand the discrimination that transgender individuals are experiencing in their employment process, but it also contributes to filling the knowledge gap in gender and sexuality studies and LGBTIQ+ issues in Sri Lanka.