Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

LGBTQ+, social challenges, professional challenges, relationship challenges, financial challenges, motivations, Privileges

Abstract

The LGBT+ community still experiences challenges related to their gender identity in a society that assumes heterosexuality as the norm. Multiple studies also demonstrate that LGBTQ+ workers in inclusive workplaces would come out to have a greater experience in their jobs, regardless of their sexual orientation. This study identifies the challenges, motivations, and privileges LGBTQ+ experience in pursuing their career, particularly in the field of health. This phenomenological study utilized a thematic analysis to interpret the data collected from in-depth interviews. The data analysis is guided by the Career Theory of John Krumboltz and the Career Construction Theory of Mark Savickas emphasizes ways to deal with the limited degree of control we have over some career experiences and provides a way of thinking about how individuals choose and use work. The findings of the study indicate that the challenges the LGBTQ+ health professionals encountered were Social Challenges, Professional Challenges, Relationship Challenges, and Financial Challenges. The motivations they had to continue pursuing their career were the Pandemic’s Impact on Society’s Conformity, Non-discriminatory workplace, Providing Patient Care, LGBTQ+ representation, Community Acceptance, and Societal progress on inclusivity. Lastly, the career Privileges they received were Flexibility, Diversity and inclusion, Connections, Industry exploration, and Career progression. These results and insights shed light on the impact of the challenges faced by the people part of the LGBTQ+ community in pursuing their careers, personal fulfillment and validation contribute to motivation, self-confidence, and enjoyment while negative validation can lead to discrimination and self-pressure.

First Advisor

Lord Joseas C. Conwi

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