Homophobia in Investment Banking
I'm a gay man and incoming FT IB analyst. Does anyone have any experience of homophobia in investment banking and dealing with it? I understand it'll depend on the team and banks environment. Any advice from other gay guys in IB would be appreciated.
This question may seem stupid to some but I'm looking for serious replies if possible.
At an EB and short answer - no, never see it. Longer answer is at junior levels (analyst and somewhat associates) there can be hostility generally towards diversity candidates bc non-diversity candidates think they’re less deserving of the spot. You’ve seen that on WSO too. Advice is just put your head down and do great work and that won’t be a concern either.
Thank you. It's promising to hear you haven't faced any in your EB. I'll be working in London so hopefully I won't face the same animosity that people anyway diverse face on WSO.
Is being gay boost diversity at BB/EB?
Afaik it makes no difference in the recruitment process. Some people however like to believe they didn't get a role because they're white or straight or because of some other characteristic they can't change rather than accept it may have been because they weren't good enough or didn't work hard enough.
Quit your bullshit. Diversify recruiting is easier. do you see any special programs called "finance for white males.?" Any special events diversity symposium recruiting events for white males? White male in leadership programs?
Might be a dumb question but if you’re worried, couldn’t you just not tell people?
Yes that is an option but I don't believe anyone should have to hide their sexuality. I don't advertise that I'm gay but it inevitably comes up and is part of who I am. I'm just wondering if others in IB have experienced much homophobia so I can prepare myself.
The fact that people are throwing MS at OP isn't a great sign
Exactly. Ridiculous lol. OP was asking a genuine question about being discriminated against / disrespected
Hopefully the team I'm joining will be more inclusive
There’s a lot of activity on here from salty undergrads who are entitled enough to blame anything and everything but their own lack of execution for not getting the offer. It’s honestly ridiculous.
Even if diversity programs may have easier interview processes, there’s still no excuse to take that out on the candidates themselves. And at the end of the day, it’s still a lot easier to get a job in banking as a white guy. Because, all else being equal, life is just a lot easier as a white guy.
Best of luck with your new firm. I hope they’re more accepting than some of the mudslingers on this thread.
Never seen it but I've always been lucky with great groups. Regardless, it is an absolute no no and unprofessional as fuck so please don't feel like you have to tolerate it.
Congrats on the offer. All the best dude.
Thank you. I don't plan on tolerating it. I just wanted to have an idea of what to expect before starting. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any issues with homophobia.
Nobody is going to outright target you for being gay but I must say I would find it rather strange if brought up in a conversation that you was gay. I mean in the office the lads usually have banter about girls or when you go down to the pub you also go and speak with other girls there with the lads. It'll be quite obvious to tell if you was gay just from these dynamics alone. Not to say anyone will target you or chant abuse at you but it's just something to consider. All in all, happy for your offer and hope it all works out for you!
I don't plan going around just telling everyone I'm gay randomly. But like you said people will probably be able to infer it in certain settings. I'm also not going to pretend my boyfriend doesn't exist if I'm ever asked about that side of my life. Thanks for your serious answer.
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Don't talk gay. That might sound terrible to say, but the stereotypical gay accent (don't know what else to call it) is the absolute last thing I want to hear after cranking on a model for 16 hours. Also, don't discuss music awards all day and put emojis after every message. And most importantly, don't ask people for hugs randomly and dress extremely differently from everyone.
If this all sounds super specific and stereotypical, you can thank my previous subordinate for giving me a terrible experience working with gay people. If you don't do the above, I don't see why there would be any issue. Less competition amongst the analyst pool when you hit bars, so maybe even a plus?
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