Employees of the Xerox Corporation of America have been issued with coloured magnets for their office doors and desks to denote their sexual orientation.
Homosexuals are given pink magnets and heterosexuals white ones. Executives say the aim is to create a friendlier workplace and claim that the "coming out" badges have been welcomed by the workers.
"The programme has been a tremendous success and there have been no complaints," said Dan Phelan, a sales manager at the offices in Century City, California. "It is designed to communicate to gay and lesbian workers that 'In my office you are safe; you don't have to hide your sexuality.' "
He said that both gay and heterosexual workers were participating in the Project Safe Space voluntary programme. "If you walk through these offices you will see the magnets all over the place," he said. "It is really nice." Mr. Phelan, who has a photograph of his lover, Jim, by his desk, said: "It means there is no need for secrecy any more ... it has put an end to nasty gossip and hurtful remarks."
Project Safe Space involves more than 10,000 employees in Xerox's 38 American branches.
1/17/98
The London Daily Telegraph, January 14, 1998:
