THEGAYUK

Category: Work Life

  • Out With The Hipster Beards As They Are Listed As Unsuitable For Work

    Beard haters will rejoice at the news as Hipster beards are considered unsuitable for work.

    The trendy beards were amongst 20 things Britain’s workforce considered as “inappropriate” for the work environment along with novelty ties and flip flops.

    Britain’s be-whiskered are bristling with anger after beards were voted among the most unsuitable items of work attire.

    Full beards featured in a list of 20 ‘items’ or looks considered inappropriate for the workplace.

    Other no-no’s included too much cleavage, crop-tops and novelty ties, according to a survey of 2,000 workers by workplace uniform provider Simon Jersey.

    But David Dade, the President of TBBC – The British Beard Club – took the criticism on the chin, claiming beards “allow men to show their masculinity rather than stifle it by shaving”.

    And he said the inclusion of facial hair in the list may have been a “broadside” at hipsters who have adopted the beard in recent years.

    Dade, 69, a former radio sound engineer with the other BBC, said: “Unfortunately this seems to be another example of pogonophobia – an extreme dislike of beards.

    “But these days the vast majority of beards are tidy and well-maintained.”

    The study found that many people also consider anything which bares too much skin to be out of place in the office, including low cut, strapless or backless tops and short skirts.

    More than six in 10 people believe the way they dress or look may have had an effect on their chances of getting a pay rise or promotion.

    Their fears may be well-founded as 37 per cent of managers admitted they have overlooked someone for consistently dressing inappropriately.

    Two-thirds of managers said they would be less likely to give someone a job if there was something they didn’t like about their appearance during the interview.

    The poll, by workplace uniform provider Simon Jersey, found one in five workers has been reprimanded over “inappropriate” work wear.

    One female employee was hauled up in front of her boss because her dress was “too pink”.

    Other unusual or bizarre requests include one boss telling a woman to wear more make-up, another to dress “less young” and wearing hair up instead of down.

    Simon Jersey, which provides uniforms to more than half a million UK workers, said: “What to wear to work can be a controversial and confusing subject – the type of job you do, and the industry you work in, can make a massive difference to what is and isn’t deemed appropriate.

    “As if what to wear isn’t confusing enough, while tattoos, bright hair colours and even flashing your skin might be fine in one job, you could wear the same look to another role and get a completely different reaction.

    “Worryingly, it seems some are even picked up because of the colour of their clothes or the amount of make-up they have one.

    “Your appearance can be especially important if you deal with clients, customers or members of the public – your boss will want you to be representing the company in what they consider to be the right way.

    “But this can make it a minefield when choosing what to wear. Each morning, there are probably thousands of people looking in the mirror trying to decide if what they look like is ‘acceptable’ for the day ahead.”

    The study found crop tops are deemed the most unacceptable item to wear to work, followed by cleavage-flashing clothes, mini-skirts and baseball caps.

    Flip flops completed the top five, with beanie hats, underwear on show, t-shirts with inappropriate logos, backless tops and ripped jeans also a no-no.

    Other things considered to be beyond the pale include high heels, long or unkempt beards and excessive make-up.

    And while some still brand visible tattoos a no-no, six in 10 think body ink is more acceptable than ever before, with 42 per cent believing the same is true for piercings.

    The survey revealed that while 42 per cent of bosses simply have a quiet word with someone they think needs to improve their appearance, one in five has had a formal conversation or warned them about it.

    One in 50 has even fired someone over the way they dress.

    The Simon Jersey spokesman added: ‘’There has been a definite shift towards a more casual working wardrobe over the last decade and we’ve reflected that trend in our range with new garments that create a more relaxed working wardrobe.

    “There’s more than 900 garments in our catalogue, so no matter what your role or what industry you work in, we can create a uniform for you and your team.”

    Top 20 things unsuitable for the workplace:

    1. Crop tops

    2. Tops which show cleavage

     

    3. Mini-skirts

     

    4. Baseball caps

     

    5. Flip flops

     

    6. Beanie hats

     

    7. Visible underwear

     

    8. T-shirts or tops with large logos or images

     

    9. Backless tops

     

    10. Ripped jeans

     

    11. Strapless tops

     

    12. Shorts

     

    13. Anything which shows too much skin

     

    14. High heels

     

    15. Unkempt, long or full beards

     

    16. Visible body piercings

     

    17. Tattoos on show

     

    18. Excessive make-up

     

    19. Trainers

     

    20. Novelty ties

  • ANSWERS: Does the law protect gender queer individuals, or those who adopt a different gender temporarily (e.g. transvestites) at work?

    What about gender queer individuals, or those who adopt a different gender temporarily (e.g. transvestites)?

    (more…)

  • ANSWERS: What Does The Law Say About Employment Rights For Trans People?

    What does the law say about Employment Rights For Trans People?

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  • ANSWERS: I have heard my employer can dismiss me for being transgender – is this true?

    I have heard my employer can dismiss me for being transgender – is this true? (more…)

  • ANSWERS: Do I have to disclose that I am transgender at work?

    Do I have to disclose that I am transgender?

    There may be some circumstances where you may be obliged to disclose your gender history, such as for background criminal checks or insurance. However, this does not mean you have to disclose your biological gender to your colleagues or even your manager if you do not wish to.

    An employer has a duty to keep such information confidential and you can approach a manager or HR officer for advice if necessary.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: I have decided to live life as my target gender, how do I “come out” to my colleagues?

    I have decided to live life as my target gender, how do I ‘come out’ to my colleagues?

    Every individual’s journey is extremely personal. It is natural for people to ask questions but that does not mean that you have to answer anything you are not comfortable with and you should politely, but firmly, assert your boundaries.

    However, we would encourage you to discuss your situation with your manager in the first instance so they can make arrangements to cover any absence, and how you can be supported during your transition. For example, some people would prefer to tell colleagues on an individual basis and others would like an email sent out to their colleagues.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: A Work Colleague Is Making Me Uncomfortable Through My Transition, What Can I Do?

    My colleagues have been largely supportive, but there is one who is making me really uncomfortable by joking about my physical appearance and changes. What do I do?

    Firstly, be aware that you do not have to tolerate any behaviour or comments about your gender or transition that you find humiliating, hostile, degrading or offensive. This is known as harassment under the Equality Act 2010.

    However, there can be a number of ways to handle the matter depending on the individuals concerned. You could lodge a formal grievance and ask your employer to investigate and take action, or if you prefer, explain to the individual that you want the comments to stop. Either way, keep a diary of any incidents and keep your manager informed so they can monitor the situation.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: I have various treatments planned as part of my gender reassignment? Am I entitled to time off?

    I have various treatments planned as part of my gender reassignment? Am I entitled to time off?

    The Equality Act 2010 specifically states that an employer cannot treat you less favourably than any other employee because you have had time off as part of the gender reassignment process. As a result, we encourage employers to record such time off separately so it is discounted when considering any promotion, access to bonuses etc.

    Whether the time is paid depends on your employers policies. There is no obligation to offer paid leave unless there is company sick pay etc.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

    BACK TO THE LEGAL CLINIC

  • Boy Scouts End Ban On Gay Leaders In USA

    The Boy Scouts of America have voted to end a blanket ban on gay adult leaders, employees and volunteers.

    Voting 45 in favour to 12 against the change, a long-established blanket ban on gay employees and volunteers working for the Boy Scouts of America has been lifted, stating that,

    “No adult applicant for registration as an employee or non-unit-serving volunteer, who otherwise meets the requirements of the Boy Scouts of America, may be denied registration on the basis of sexual orientation.”

    However, the new policy will still allow church-sponsored groups to still discriminate by allowing the recruitment process to restrict candidates to those who share their doctrine.

    The Mormon Church have said that despite the caveat, which could be open to discriminating against LGBT leaders, that it might leave the organisation in any case. Its clear stance on discriminating against LGBT people might open the floodgates for our Church-sponsored groups, like the Roman Catholic Church to do the same.

    A statement released by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said,

    “The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation,

    “However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America.”

    GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said,

    “Finally, hardworking and devoted gay adult leaders can serve openly and honestly in Scouting without fear of rejection or retribution,

    “Today’s historic vote will strengthen Scouting and sends a message of acceptance that will resonate for years to come, as future Scout leaders are judged by their ability to lead and not their sexual orientation.”

  • REAL LIFE: Shooting My First Gay Porn

    I felt something brush against my legs. I glanced down. Sh*t! You’re not supposed to look, I reminded myself. Clearly, this was more difficult than I expected. There was quite a lot to think about.

    What's it like to film a porn

    What had brushed against me was a cameraman pushing his camera between my legs and I was filming a porn movie. How did I get here? Well, it all started with an email from Mike*, the managing director of Pantheon Productions, a porn company based in San Francisco.

    Hi Greg,
    We were wondering if you would like to be a model for one of our movies. We don’t usually fly people over from Europe, but in your case we’d be willing to make an exception. Please get back to us if you’d be interested.

    Apparently one of my clients had written to them, saying they should check me out. I didn’t know whether to be flattered or insulted, but I opted for the former.

    I can safely say that up until then I’d never really considered doing porn. Back in the first few years of this century, it was much more taboo than it is now when seemingly every top, dick and bumhole is clamouring to get in on the act. True, I was an escort, which was already pretty taboo, but it was possible to keep that secret. Once you did porn it was out there for all to see. Nowhere to hide. Some of my friends were dead against it. I wasn’t even sure myself, but Mike was persistent, both via email and phone calls, and eventually wore me down with his reassurances and offering me three scenes (which in effect tripled my fee) as well as my flights and accommodation. Admittedly, the money wasn’t that great, but it was a darn sight more than what porn companies pay these days. Also, I’d never been to San Francisco. It seemed too good a chance to miss. Still, I had no idea if I’d be able to do it, so it was with some trepidation that I boarded my plane to San Francisco a few weeks later.

    The morning after my arrival, I went down to the lobby from my hotel room to find Mike, a handsome young guy (much younger than I expected) waiting in the lobby. He had suggested that he ease me in with a solo scene. That meant there would be no crew. Just him and me and a camera. It wouldn’t be much different from any of the stills shoots I’d done; only this time he’d be using a video camera. Solo shoots are different. You are allowed to look at the camera, make the person watching feel that you are getting off just for them. Mike had, shall we say, a hands-on approach to his work, which was very helpful, and at one point I suggested that he also remove his clothes as I would find that quite horny. He obligingly did as I asked. It didn’t take too long and that first scene was wrapped in a couple of hours, after which Mike dropped me back at my hotel. The next day was to be my first real time having sex on camera.

    It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day I remember. I was collected by another employee of the company who drove me to the studio. When I got there, there were half a dozen guys, preparing the set and rigging up cameras and lighting. My co-star, Josh Edwards was there too. I’d seen pics of him of course, but he was more attractive in real life and I liked his tattoos and, especially, his pierced dick. (This was before I had my own Prince Albert.) One of the crew gave me a cup of coffee and Josh and I went out onto the fire escape to get better acquainted. So far it was just like any other film set I’d been on. Josh and I chatted away until I was pulled away from Josh to go and film a short interview that was to be included as an extra at the end of the DVD (well these Americans are a sucker for an English accent, after all). After that filming was to start in earnest.

    This scene was to be part of the studio’s Daddy Hunt series. The set-up was for me, the rich older daddy, to be driving round San Francisco in my 4×4 and pick up young Josh as he was walking around. My nerves got the better of me at the beginning resulting in me almost crashing the car when I went round a corner and ended up on the wrong side of the road (well I had just arrived from the UK). Miraculously we got back to the studio unscathed and now it was time for action.

    We were filming in the company’s studio, which was made to look like my expensive pad. Mike took a few stills of us both before we started to film the scene. Basically, we were asked to make out, remove each other’s clothes and get down to business. The cameras would follow us. The main direction was to avoid looking directly at the camera, not, as I’ve already indicated, as easy as it might seem, especially when you have a cameraman between your legs while you’re f**king your partner, another one standing astride him and pointing the camera directly on your face; or when the camera pushes in between you to get the best shot possible of your c**k penetrating his butt. That’s when you have to lean back a bit to give him better access. I admit that I was actually getting off on it all. Well, why would you do it if you didn’t? Even so, focus could be a problem. Once things really heated up, our director preferred to just go with the flow and keep the cameras rolling, rather than stop and start too many times. (I’ve worked with directors who do that, and, believe me, it’s a nightmare. All a bit too much up and down, if you get my drift.) But there were other directions too, like being asked to move a leg slightly to one side so that it didn’t block the camera, or change your arm position. Considering a lapse in focus and concentration can result in a loss of momentum, for which read blood flow, then it’s a lot more difficult than you might expect.

    We stopped for a break before going for the climax, which had to be filmed in two stages (mine and his), and then that was a wrap. We had several hours of film that would eventually be edited down to about 20 minutes, and that was my first proper porn movie. What struck me more than anything was the extreme professionalism of all on the set. There had in fact been no difference between filming this and any other film. Everything had been thought out in advance. They even had a storyboard. I’d love to be able to tell you how horny it is, how the crew get involved, how people stand around with their cocks out, getting turned on and carried away with the action, but it simply isn’t true. Just as on any other film, the crew are concentrating on sound and lighting and getting the best shot.

    Filming over, I was returned to my hotel. I had a couple of days off before my next scene, which would be a leather scene with Marco Van for their Real Men series. This was filmed at a different location, a flat, which had a four-poster bed which they had rented for the session. There was no pre-scene set up. This was just two leather guys getting it on. Other than that, things went much as before.

    All told my first experience of doing porn was a very positive one. Everything had been done to make it as easy as possible for me. The people I worked with were all great, all very relaxed and all very professional. I did a few more movies after that, most of them over here, but nothing was as good as that first experience, except perhaps when I returned to the US to do a stills shoot with Tom Bianchi and another shoot with the guys at Pantheon, which also turned out to be my last. I enjoyed working with them so much that I decided to end on a high. That and the fact that fees for doing porn were dropping dramatically. It just didn’t seem worth it anymore somehow, but I’m certainly glad I did it. One more thing to add to the bucket list.

    * Name changed

  • Camp Biscuit Is Bad For Business

    For those of us who like a little flamboyance at our business meetings, apparently pink wafers spell disaster as survey reveals biscult etiquette.

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