Diversity and Inclusion of LGBTI People at Chinese Workplaces. The Corporate Sector as an Agent of Change?

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Asian studies, grade: 1,7, University of Duisburg-Essen, language: English, abstract: This term paper is about the current situation of LGBTI employees in China and the way companies deal with the LGBTI issue. This paper mainly focuses on the triangle of businesses, their employees and the market itself, dealing with non-governmental organizations (NGO) and the lawmaker only marginally. The research question is whether the corporate sector can act as an agent of change, a promoter and driving force of LGBTI rights in China. This question shall be answered by analyzing several empirical surveys dealing with LGBTI peoples¿ perceptions of their workplace experience. It is estimated that around 70 million LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Intersex) are living in the People¿s Republic of China (PRC). Of those only 5% are estimated to live openly. The workplace is the last place where Chinese LGBTI people disclose their SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression). On the other hand, the workplace is also among the daily life environments with the lowest rate of discrimination contrasting high rates of discrimination at the family and the school.