Gay pride and prejudice in the Pacific

Abstract

Industrial relations research has traditionally been captured by a heteronormative paradigm, and little research generally has been focussed on employment issues in the Pacific. Employment rights and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersex persons in the Pacific is important for numerous reasons, not the least on basic moral and decency grounds and also for the role that employment takes in enabling a quality of life and in developing economies. This article only looks at the issues facing, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (LGB), and excluded those defined by gender identity. The legal status of homosexuality across 22 Pacific nations is identified as well as the existence of anti-discrimination laws that would protect LGB workers in the workplace. This information is then contrasted with country membership of the International Labour Organisation as an agency that may provide support or bring pressure to improve the workday life of LGB employees in these countries. This is an important area for research as the employment experience of all workers contributes to the overall wellbeing of both the individual and business, and ultimately society.