1. Educate yourself about sexual orientation in order to formulate, and where necessary express, a position that balances one’s own opinion with the behaviors expected by the organization.

2. Try to avoid heterosexist assumptions; that is, don’t assume that everyone you work with or come into contact with is straight

3. Share anything you’ve learned about human sexuality that might encourage others to adopt productive behaviors…but only if you’re comfortable doing so.

4. Use inclusive language where possible. No one’s suggesting that the words “husband” or “wife” need go away; but adding “partner” is a good idea too.

5. Encourage gay people you work with to be part of the social groups you form at work (but only if you like them! :-); including encouraging them to bring their partner to functions when its appropriate.

6. Take time to understand the local laws and ordinances that relate to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression where you live and work. This is a constantly changing dynamic. And make sure too that you know what your own org’s non-discrimination policy says.

7. Display things in your workplace that signal your awareness of inclusiveness on this basis. Several copies of “Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace” are great things to keep on your bookshelf!

8. Feel free to walk away from a confrontation. If someone says something you don’t agree with, you don’t have to force an argument…you can simply walk away. Doing this sends a very powerful message that is all too often overlooked.

9. Refuse to laugh at anti-gay (or anti-anyone) humor.  Yes, there are some funny jokes…it’s just that we as a society don’t have much of a sense of humor about any of this…yet. But we’re working on it.