Conceptualizing discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers in the unbounded workplace

Abstract The workplace is a key space where LGBTQ+ people face discrimination leading to mental health distress. This paper shows how spatial attributes of work shape experiences and perceptions of discrimination and mental health distress . Building on minority stress theory, we demonstrate how spatial attributes of work can cause, amplify, or mitigate mental health distress among LGBTQ+ people through direct and indirect mechanisms, such as anticipated discrimination, perceived discrimination, and the availability of coping devices. Our findings suggest that understanding the connection between workplace discrimination and poor mental health requires a more nuanced understanding of the workplace, highlighting how workplace stressors are simultaneously emplaced in and exceed the spatiotemporal bounds of the workplace . Résumé Le lieu de travail est un espace clé où les personnes LGBTQ+ font face à des discriminations qui entraînent des troubles de la santé mentale. Cet article démontre comment les attributs spatiaux du travail façonnent les expériences et les perceptions de la discrimination et de la détresse en matière de santé mentale. En nous fondant sur la théorie du stress des minorités, nous démontrons comment les attributs spatiaux du travail peuvent causer, amplifier ou atténuer la détresse mentale chez les personnes LGBTQ+ par le biais de mécanismes directs et indirects, tels que la discrimination anticipée, la discrimination perçue et la disponibilité des moyens de survie. Nos résultats suggèrent que pour saisir le lien entre la discrimination au travail et les difficultés en matière de santé mentale, une compréhension plus nuancée du lieu de travail est nécessaire, en soulignant comment les facteurs de stress se situent dans les limites spatio‐temporelles du lieu de travail tout en les dépassant. Key messages Stressors at work are emplaced in the variegated spatial arrangements of workplaces. Workplace discrimination perceived by LGBTQ+ people is not bounded by the workplace, but rather can travel across space and time in the form of aggravated mental health and anticipated discrimination. Regional factors shape access to supports for LGBTQ+ people, and LGBTQ+ community at work and union supports can help to overcome a lack of proximate institutional supports.