Barriers to LGBTQ+ career progression in the UK
National research from Pride in Leadership reveals the systemic challenges, and untapped potential, of LGBTQ+ professionals in the UK workforce.
LGBTQ+ professionals face a range of challenges and barriers in their careers, from lack of representation in leadership to workplace bias and discrimination. Yet, their voices and experiences are not always fully heard or understood. This report aims to change that.
Barriers to LGBTQ+ career progression in the UK
Based on a survey of 1,017 LGBTQ+ people across the UK, this report highlights:
- 85% have experienced career barriers related to being LGBTQ+
- 76% had no LGBTQ+ role models early in their career
- 42% say HR failed to support them
- 93% think there could be bias in hiring processes
- Only 5% of trans people report facing no workplace barriers
But there are lots of positives too:
- LGBTQ+ people are extremely civically engaged – 40% of respondents volunteer as trustees, mentors, or NEDs.
- And LGBTQ+ people are developing standout leadership and career-enhancing skills – like empathy, adaptability and resilience.
Invite us to speak
📢 If you’d like to create a space to share and discuss these findings at your conference, workplace or podcast then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by email on hello@prideinleadership.co.uk.
Why this report matters
Since we started Pride in Leadership in 2021, we’ve been asked time and again to speak about the
barriers LGBTQ+ people face in leadership. And while we – and the senior leaders we spotlight at our events – often spoke from our own lived experience, there was very little data out there to support what we were saying, unlike on other issues such as gender and race.
That’s why we conducted this survey of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ individuals across the UK – to capture their real experiences, in their own words. We wanted to go beyond assumptions and gather meaningful data on the barriers to career progression that LGBTQ+ professionals face, as well as the strengths and opportunities that exist.
So this report fills a gap. It highlights the stark realities that many LGBTQ+ professionals face – from bias in hiring and promotion to the confidence knock that starts early in life and carries through into careers. It shows how intersectionality – being LGBTQ+ and also a woman, disabled, or from an ethnic minority or working class community – can compound these challenges. It shows that trans people are experiencing more barriers to progression that their cis LGB colleagues. And it demonstrates that, while many workplaces celebrate Pride Month, far fewer are putting in place meaningful, structural support for LGBTQ+ career progression.
But this report is not just about highlighting barriers – it’s also a celebration of the strength and leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. We must recognise that the LGBTQ+ experience often cultivates qualities that make for exceptional leaders. Facing discrimination or exclusion has driven many to develop resilience, empathy, strategic thinking, and determination.
The report offers actionable recommendations for:
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Employers
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Policymakers
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Recruiters
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Researchers
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The LGBTQ+ community itself
