What is the lavender ceiling?

The lavender ceiling specifically refers to the barriers and limitations that individuals from the LGBTQ+ community face, particularly in professional settings and leadership roles. This concept highlights how social stigma, discrimination, and bias can impede the career advancement of LGBTQ+ individuals, similar to the way the glass ceiling metaphor describes the challenges that women face in rising to higher positions.

While the term "glass ceiling" is often associated with women's careers, the lavender ceiling addresses the unique experiences and obstacles encountered by LGBTQ+ individuals, which may include lack of acceptance, invisibility, or workplace discrimination. Understanding the lavender ceiling is essential for advocating for more inclusive workplace policies and recognizing the complexities of intersectionality in career development.