A ‘lesbian advantage’? Analysing the intersections of gender, sexuality and class in male-dominated work

an article by Tessa Wright, (Queen Mary, University of London) published in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal Volume 30 Issue 8 (2011)

Abstract

Purpose
This article explores the intersections of gender and sexuality in male-dominated work through the experiences of lesbians working in the transport and construction sectors in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses semi-structured interviews with women working transport and construction, focusing here on an analysis of eight interviews with lesbian workers, five working in transport and three in construction, representing both professional/managerial and skilled manual occupations.
Findings
The paper considers the question of whether lesbians may experience an ‘advantage’ in non-traditionally female work compared to heterosexual women, but finds that their experience is complicated by other factors such as ethnicity, class and organisational culture. Organisational response and practice in relation to sexual orientation is found to be the most significant factor in the reality of working life for lesbians in traditionally male work.
Research limitations/implications
The initial findings in this paper are based on an analysis of a selection of interviewees from a larger research project examining the experience of both heterosexual and lesbian women working in the transport and construction sectors.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a gap in the literature on lesbian experience in non-traditionally female work and aims to contribute to knowledge of the diversity of lesbian experience by through researching lesbian workers in both professional and skilled manual roles.

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