The University of San Francisco USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center Doctoral Dissertations Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects Winter 2017 A Phenomenological Study of Lesbian and Gay People in Leadership Roles: How Perspectives and Priorities Shift in the orW kplace as Sexual Orientation Evolves Through Social Constructs Justin Moore University of San Francisco, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.usfca.edu/diss Part of the Educational Leadership Commons, and the Organization Development Commons Recommended Citation Moore, Justin, "A Phenomenological Study of Lesbian and Gay People in Leadership Roles: How Perspectives and Priorities Shift in the Workplace as Sexual Orientation Evolves Through Social Constructs" (2017). Doctoral Dissertations. 405. https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/405 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects at USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of San Francisco A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF LESBIAN AND GAY PEOPLE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES: HOW PERSPECTIVES AND PRIORITIES SHIFT IN THE WORKPLACE AS SEXUAL ORIENTATION EVOLVES THROUGH SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of the School of Education Department of Leadership Studies Organization and Leadership Program In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education by Justin W. Moore San Francisco December 2017 Dissertation Abstract The queer community’s presence continues to increase in the United States, while more individuals become visible throughout workplaces. An increasingly diverse workforce leaves organizations struggling to leverage the knowledge and experience lesbian and gay leaders bring to discussions. Limited research informs organizations of the strategies lesbian and gay people in leadership roles use to navigate their ascension into their positions, while managing the disclosure of their sexual orientation and professional identity. This qualitative, phenomenological study involved recruiting 15 participants through purposeful, homogeneous sampling processes and snowball sampling, identifying cisgender lesbian or gay people in leadership or managerial roles, with a minimum of 5 years of experience, who are 50 years of age and older. Data analysis revealed seven key findings: (a) coming out involves disclosure and concealment strategies, (b) identity includes self-care and integrating personal and professional life, (c) social change establishes new norms that cultures adapt, (d) discrimination occurs most frequently through the “lavender ceiling” and microaggression, (e) the workplace culture is most affected by leaders and policies, (f) activism is critical to the advancement of equity, and (g) Supportive leadership involves mentoring and building a professional network. Through social constructionism theory and queer theory, this dissertation aimed to understand the key findings from the data-collection phase. The conclusions from this study highlight the impact the gay-rights movement of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s had on creating a generation of activist leaders. Further, workplace climate plays a significant role in disclosure decisions. Leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, ii transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community aged 50 years and older tend to follow a passive-disclosure process and use a mask of professionalism to conceal their sexual orientation. Organizations have several recommended approaches to create an inclusive and open workplace for the LGBTQ community. iii SIGNATURE PAGE This dissertation, written under the direction of the candidate’s dissertation committee and approved by the members of the committee, has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the School of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. The content and research methodologies presented in this work represent the work of the candidate alone. Justin W. Moore December 13, 2017 Candidate Date Dissertation Committee Dr. Genevieve Negron-Gonzales December 13, 2017 Chairperson Dr. Jane Bleasdale December 13, 2017 Dr. Danfeng Koon December 13, 2017 iv DEDICATION From the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot in 1966 to today, the fight for equality continues for all members of the U.S. queer community. To plot a course for the future, it is critical people understand where they have been in their past. This dissertation is dedicated to the lesbian women and gay men who shared their stories, insights, and experiences as leaders in their fields, over the decades. Without their participation, none of this work would be possible. Together the community remembers the champions in who have gone before and guide those who come after. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This dissertation was a labor of love by the people in my community—supporting my efforts to pursue my doctorate degree, achieve this life goal, follow my passion for education, and learn about myself through reflection and interaction with others. Lynda Watson (Grandma), from learning how to bake with you as a child to celebrating the completion of my doctoral program, you have been there. I recall the time I came out to you when I was in my undergraduate program; you said you love me and had been doing research at the county’s public library since I was a young teenager to understand my sexual orientation. You will never know how much that means to me, even to this day. You have been present for every step of my life’s journey, demonstrating unconditional love and support. Your sage advice and “good ole” conversation has shaped me into the man I am today. Today, this degree is for you also! Chi Vang, it is because of you that I am here today. You have stood by my side through every phase of this research journey, learning with me about the research and writing process, serving as a thought partner, and working as my right hand at key points in the process. When the nights were late (or all-night), interviews and edits were demanding after a long day at work and on the weekends, and when I was in desperate need of encouragement, you pulled me up, and sometimes dragged me up, but were always there no matter the circumstances. Thank you seems inadequate and I’ll spend a lifetime expressing my gratitude. Dr. Genevieve Negron-Gonzales, we met 4 years ago when I was entering the program and you were my advisor. Over the years, I have been a student in your courses, learning the art of writing, figuring out how to challenge the status quo, and finding my vi inner warrior to fight the fight of my community. As my dissertation chair, you gave me space to learn and grow as a researcher and pushed me to new limits—more than I thought I could accomplish. Thank you for calm encouragement, incredible edits and guidance, and for being instrumental in shaping who I am today. Dr. Jane Bleasdale and Dr. Danfeng Koon, you both have served faithfully and thoughtfully as dissertation committee members, each taking a perspective that has advanced my research in unexpected and wonderful ways. Jane, your challenge to pivot sexual orientation from a deficit framework to one of empowerment has opened up the field of queer theory for me. Danfeng, your insight and guidance on the morality of law brought a unique lens to my study that shaped my line of inquiry and ultimately, my findings. Thank you both for your diligence and attention throughout this process. Ingrid McVanner, my colleague and friend: thank you for your support and countless writing dates over the years. Your friendship and camaraderie has given me perspective and grounding throughout this process. It is the sign of a dedicated friend to step up and offer assistance with the research process—a favor I’ll repay when it is your time! Amy Gilgan and Claire Sharifi, navigating the USF Gleeson Library can be daunting, but your masterful assistance in confirming my searches were at saturation, guiding me through the databases and serving as a sounding board for lines of inquiry that helped shape me as a researcher in my field. Thank you for your expertise and support over the years. Kia (Katie) Vang, you stepped in to assist with the organization of my literature, all while learning a new computer system, my method of organization, and about APA vii formatting during a critical time in my writing process. Thank you, sister, for treating me like a brother and helping me along in my research journey. Justin A. Moore, cousin, thank you for providing me with superb marketing materials that I was able to use in the recruitment of study participants. You worked quickly to produce high-quality materials that became an integral part of my study’s success. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS SIGNATURE PAGE ...................................................................................................... iv DEDICATION ................................................................................................................ v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................. vi LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................ xii LIST