Coming Out to Tell Our Stories: Using Queer Theory to Understand the Career Experiences of Gay Men in Public Relations
- 1 November 2012
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Public Relations Research
- Vol. 24 (5) , 451-475
Abstract
Despite the increasing focus on understanding the diversity of public relations, academics and practitioners have largely ignored gay men. Grounded in queer theory, this qualitative study examines the experiences of gay men working in public relations. We used in-depth interviews and focus groups to allow participants to discuss their careers openly. Practitioners indicated that they enjoyed working in public relations, although they pointed out areas of dissatisfaction and suggested ways to improve the working environment for gay men. These include an increased awareness of personal lives and the gay community, reduction of stereotypes, and adopting diversity-friendly policies.Keywords
This publication has 37 references indexed in Scilit:
- When Black + Lesbian + Woman ≠ Black Lesbian Woman: The Methodological Challenges of Qualitative and Quantitative Intersectionality ResearchSex Roles, 2008
- Internal marketing and the enactment of sexual identityEqual Opportunities International, 2007
- Working Class Masculinity: Keeping Gay Men and Lesbians out of the WorkplaceSex Roles, 2007
- Privileging Identity, Difference, and Power: The Circuit of Culture As a Basis for Public Relations TheoryJournal of Public Relations Research, 2005
- Queer Theory, Butch/Femme Identities and Lesbian SpaceSexualities, 2004
- Sexual Identity Management Strategies: An Exploration of Antecedents and ConsequencesSex Roles, 2001
- Working Against DiscriminationJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 1998
- Identity Construction: New Issues, New DirectionsAnnual Review of Sociology, 1997
- Acknowledging the infrasystem: A critical feminist analysis of systems theoryPublic Relations Review, 1993
- Homosexuality: Research Implications for Public Policy1991