Concealing Identity: The Damaging Links Between Mental Health and Hiding Your Identity in the Workplace

"Coming out is so much bigger than a one-off declaration of one's sexuality. It is the medium of finding community and working with authenticity." Belinda Armstrong, Project Manager at Standard Chartered Bank, spoke to myGwork about the silent struggle of concealing your sexuality at work and the impact that can have on mental health. She shared her candid and empowering story, hoping to inspire those who are in the closet at work by describing her journey and experience.

I'm Belinda Armstrong (she/her). I'm a project manager at Standard Chartered Bank, a lesbian, and a very proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Years ago, I could not have even imagined introducing myself like that. I came out after university after years of actively fighting to stay in the closet. This was largely due to internalised homophobia that I had carried for years up to that point. Growing up in a very conservative society had meant that I had worked very hard against being gay and hoped it was something that would fade away. The impact on my mental health was evident from a young age and the link between authenticity and wellbeing has become increasingly obvious as I have progressed through my life and career.

The energy required to complete our daily tasks is finite. Whilst we can prioritise what we spend this on as individuals, we can all ill-afford to lose this on covering up who we are. This is seen so acutely in the trans members of our community who are fighting every day for the most basic of human rights. Coming out, when it is safe and possible to do so, goes a huge way to free up our energy to pursue other activities that can improve our wellbeing. Feeling psychologically safe enough within our organisations is a critical component for this. Not only in encouraging colleagues to bring their full selves to work but after this event as well.

I am very privileged to belong to an organisation, at Standard Chartered, where my being gay is not only supported but championed. We have a unique opportunity at work to support those who are not as privileged in their fight for equality.

‘Coming out’ is so much bigger than a one-off declaration of one’s sexuality. It is the medium of finding community and working with authenticity.  It is also a privilege and one that we as a community need to continue to fight for to ensure it is extended to all of our members.