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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Glass Closet summary
John Browne
Why Coming Out Is Good Business
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Brief summary
The Glass Closet by John Browne is a thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace and the benefits of inclusion. Browne shares his personal experiences and provides valuable insights for creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
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The Glass Closet
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People throughout history have been ostracized, imprisoned and even killed because of their sexual orientation.
Despite many developments toward expanded equal rights, homophobia is still a real issue in society.
In some countries such as Uganda, gay people have no legal protection. If authorities discover that someone is gay, that person could be sent to prison, or worse, even killed.
Yet persecution based on sexual orientation wasn’t always a fear. In ancient Rome and Greece, gay people were treated equally. Some societies even considered gay people sacred.
The Roman emperor Hadrian lived as an openly gay man. Greek gods such as Zeus were depicted in fables as taking male lovers; believers saw such acts as normal.
The spread of Christianity, however, changed the public’s perception of homosexuality. Many believers have used their interpretation of the book of Leviticus in the Bible to justify the repression and persecution of people based on sexual orientation.
Such religious condemnation has played a major role in branding gay people across the world as “sinners,” making them the targets of Christian violence.
But such horrors aren’t limited to ancient history. Since the seventeenth century, gay people have been used as scapegoats for many of society’s troubles. Deadly earthquakes, the bubonic plague and more recently AIDS have all been blamed on the influence of gay people in society.
What’s more, in Western nations such as Germany and the United Kingdom, being gay was a crime until very recently.
During the Nazi regime in Germany, thousands of gays and lesbians were sent to concentration camps; they were given a pink triangle to wear, identifying them to others and signifying their low status in society.
Even after World War II, being gay in Germany remained a crime for decades. Homosexual relations between men in England was made legal only in 1967.
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What is The Glass Closet about?
The Glass Closet (2014) details the struggles that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face in the workplace and how these struggles can be overcome. Importantly, these blinks will show how coming out can change people's lives for the better.
The Glass Closet Review
The Glass Closet (2014) by John Browne is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers candid personal stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ professionals, shedding light on the often hidden struggles they face and inspiring empathy and understanding.
- Provides insights into corporate cultures and the importance of fostering inclusive environments, encouraging organizations to create spaces where everyone can thrive.
- Addresses the need for change and advocates for greater LGBTQ+ acceptance in the business world, making it a powerful call to action for individuals and organizations alike.
Best quote from The Glass Closet
As I know from decades of hiding my sexual orientation, closeted people usually assume that coming out will have dire consequences.
—John Browne
Who should read The Glass Closet?
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
- Entrepreneurs, managers and employees of corporations
- Politicians and activists engaged in civil rights
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The Glass Closet FAQs
What is the main message of The Glass Closet?
The main message of The Glass Closet is about embracing authenticity and inclusion in the workplace.
How long does it take to read The Glass Closet?
The reading time for The Glass Closet varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is The Glass Closet a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Glass Closet is worth reading as it sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in corporate settings and provides insights on fostering a more accepting work environment.
Who is the author of The Glass Closet?
The author of The Glass Closet is John Browne.
What to read after The Glass Closet?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Glass Closet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Stonewall by Martin Duberman
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- The Great Mental Models, Volume 4 by Shane Parrish
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People by Shahida Arabi
- How Economics Explains the World by Andrew Leigh
- Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
- Hardcore Self Help by Robert Duff
- The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
- The Job-Ready Guide by Anastasia de Waal