Is same-sex workplace sexual harassment against the law?

People often have an unnecessarily narrow internal definition of sexual harassment. They imagine a man in a managerial position misusing his authority to take advantage of or bully a woman in a subordinate position. That is certainly one of the more common sexual harassment scenarios, but it is far from the only situation that constitutes sexual harassment.

Women can also sexually harass their male coworkers. The law does not specify the sex of either party in a sexual harassment case. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission specifically warns about the possibility of same-sex sexual harassment in the workplace, as people often overlook it as a concern.

What does same-sex sexual harassment involve?

Sexual harassment involving a perpetrator and victim of the same sex can come in many different forms. The first that people would likely think of might involve someone who is homosexual or bisexual making unwanted advances toward a member of the same sex. The person enduring those advances could very well be heterosexual and completely uninterested. They may feel intimidated despite repeatedly refusing the advances.

There could also be a quid pro quo dynamic, where someone in a position of career authority offers someone of the same sex some sort of perk for romantic or sexual favors. Uneven power dynamics can sometimes lead to shocking behavior by people who are otherwise heterosexual.

Same-sex sexual harassment could also relate to the creation of a hostile work environment. No one ever has to flirt with or express interest in the person enduring the harassment. Perhaps all of the women working at a factory gang up on another female employee and spread distasteful rumors about her romantic life. When there is a sexual component to the abuse that someone endures, the situation may constitute sexual harassment even when the other parties have no sexual interest in the victim.

Any form of sexual harassment can make someone feel like they need to leave their job and can potentially cause mental health issues. Documenting and fighting back against sexual harassment , regardless of who perpetrates it against you, will help you stand up for your own career and for a safer workplace for others.