For LGBT Workers, Being“Out” Brings Advantages

1. Media Observatory 2012 For LGBT Workers, Being“Out” Brings Advantages Ma Shuang (Diana) College of Comprehensive Foundation Studies Liaoning University

2. Background Information 1 LGBT = GLBT and variations (also GLBT) and variations are used to refer collectively to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and queer-identified people. Variations that are sometimes used include—but are not limited to—adding "Q" for queer or questioning, "I" for intersex, or "S" (or "A") for straight allies. While LGBT is often used as a short way to refer to the various LGBT demographic groups, LGBT individuals themselves usually identify by other labels (such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer), or by no label at all. Around the world, government policies regarding LGBT people range from the death penalty for sexual acts to civil marriages or partnerships for same-sex couples. Living conditions around the world also range from near-unanimous acceptance of public displays of affection to total discrimination in all areas such as housing or employment. Ma Shuang (Diana)

3. Background Information 1 LGBT = GLBT and variations Ma Shuang (Diana)

4. Background Information 2 Rainbow Flag • A rainbow flag is a multi-colored flag consisting of stripes in the colors of the rainbow. The use of rainbow flags has a long tradition; they are displayed in many cultures around the world as a sign of diversity and inclusiveness, of hope and of yearning. • There are several independent rainbow flags in use today. The most widely known worldwide is the pride flag, sometimes called 'the freedom flag', was popularized as a symbol of LGBTpride and diversity by a San Francisco artist in 1978. It consists of six colored stripes, which should always be displayed with red on top or to left, as the colors appear in a natural rainbow. The colors were designed to symbolize: red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and purple/violet (spirit). Ma Shuang (Diana)

5. Background Information 2 Other Symbols of Rainbow Ma Shuang (Diana)

6. Background Information 3 Merrill Lynch (美林资产管理集团 ) • Merrill Lynchis the wealth management division of Bank of America. With over 15,000 financial advisors and $2.2 trillion in client assets it is the world's largest brokerage. • Formerly known as Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., prior to 2009 the firm was publicly owned and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol (股票代号) MER. Merrill agreed to a purchase by Bank of America on September 14, 2008, at the height of the 2008 Financial Crisis. It ceased to exist as a separate entity in January 2009. Ma Shuang (Diana)

7. Key Words & Expressions hindrance: a thing or a person that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to sth. or sb. [hinder v. ] closet(v.) :shut … away, esp. in private conference or study [come out of the 'closet: admit sth. openly that one kept secret before, especially because of shame or embarrassment ] stand a chance of: having a hope / possibility of collegial: characterized by or having authority vested equally among colleagues; of or resembling or typical of a college or college students Ma Shuang (Diana)

8. Key Words & Expressions banter: the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks stall:cause (an engine, vehicle, aircraft, or boat) to stop; stop making progress disparity: a great difference take a toll: cause a (loss to…) pitch: aim (a product) at a particular section of the market heterosexual：(of a person) sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex [homosexual] Ma Shuang (Diana)

9. 单位：万元 Discussion Topic: Is it better or worse for LGBT workers to be out in China?

10. A Chinese LGBT’s Website

11. Any Questions? Many Thanks