LGBTQAI+ seafarers organizational and social working environment
Typ
Examensarbete på grundnivå
Program
Publicerad
2022
Författare
Bengtsson, Sigrid
Johansson, Richard
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This research aims to get an insight into how LGBTQAI+ seafarers are treated onboard
merchant vessels today as part of the crew. It is also studied how the organization and shipboard
crew works with human rights and inequality. Furthermore, it is assessed how the awareness
and inclusion of LGBTQAI+ seafarers can positively impact the working environment onboard
for all seafarers.
This research has a theoretical basis within LGBTQAI+ and an online survey developed by the
authors. The online survey was favored before face-to-face interviews due to the anonymity
and discretion when sharing personal experiences online. The online survey was written in
English, as the common working language among the shipboard crew is English. The possibility
of language confusion is still a fact as not everyone has a thorough understanding of the
language.
The survey’s results provide an insight into how the working environment onboard is today
with a brief flashback on the history, especially for LGBTQAI+ seafarers. The survey aims to
reach seafarers who are actively working at sea, used to work at sea, and maritime students who
are currently or have performed internships onboard. In addition, to get an insight into how the
whole shipboard crew relates to inclusion and harassment aimed at LGBTQAI+ seafarers, the
respondents also include seafarers who identify themselves as cis heterosexuals.
Previously conducted research shows that the shipping industry is male-dominated and
associated with a “macho” culture. Therefore, the way of thinking and working onboard is
usually of a conservative approach. On the other hand, some previous research shows that the
shipping industry was considered a “safe haven” around 60 years ago; during that time, during
that time, involvement within other than stereotypical gender and sexuality norms was not
acceptable. As a result, the shipping industry became more attractive for homosexual people.
Extracted from the results, most of the respondents who answered the online survey identify
themselves as heterosexual, aged between 20-30, and working as a second officer or cadet
onboard. The majority of the respondents who identify themselves as cis-male and heterosexual
accept LGBTQAI+. The seafarers who identify themselves as LGBTQAI+ emphasize the
importance of feeling an accepting atmosphere onboard before opening up about their
sexuality/gender.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
HBTQAI+ , equality , human rights , harassment , vessel , working environment , macho culture , homosexuality , LGBTQAI+ , shipping industry