LGBTQ+ Employment Protections in Indiana: Implications of the Absence of Statewide Nondiscrimination Legislation

Author

• Stephanie Putt (0009-0000-3430-8191), University of Dayton

Date of Award

5-9-2026

Degree Name

Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations

Department

Department of Educational Administration

Advisor/Chair

Elizabeth Essex

Abstract

In Indiana there is a lack of comprehensive statewide nondiscrimination protections for individuals who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Plus (LGBTQ+) community. In absence of these safeguards, legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, in Indiana, are contingent upon local ordinances, employer policies, or judicial interpretation. This study addresses the lack of comprehensive statewide nondiscrimination protections through a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace and the barriers to authenticity and strategies for inclusion they describe. Members of the LGBTQ+ community employed in Indiana and representing eight different employment sectors were individually interviewed to gain perspective and create a plan of action for organizations to increase employee authenticity, safety, and well-being.

Keywords

Adult Education, Educational Leadership, Ethics

Comments

OCLC No. 1591818785

Rights Statement

Copyright 2026, author.

Recommended Citation

Putt, Stephanie, "LGBTQ+ Employment Protections in Indiana: Implications of the Absence of Statewide Nondiscrimination Legislation" (2026). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7689.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/7689