LGBTQAI+ seafarers organizational and social working environment

Abstract

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.