Navigating diversity/ LGBTQ

Question

Hi everyone,

When I started recruiting for consulting, I was really engaged in the MBB firms' LGBTQ+ network, since I personally identify as bisexual. During that time, I also had a boyfriend (1-2 years ago), but we have since broken up.

Currently, I am fortunate enough to have received an offer from one of the MBB firms that would allow me to join later in the year. My fear is that I am currently dating a female, and I am afraid of having bad blood due to folks thinking I was trying to game the system by affiliating with the LGBTQ+ network while not being that. Meanwhile, I am bisexual.

How do I navigate this without causing any bad blood?

Answer 1

Hey there,

I would not worry about this at all and I can assure you that nobody would believe that you 'tricked the system'. You have not been made an offer because of your affiliation to LGBTQ+ but because of your performance during the interviews.

Besides, even if you are dating a female right now, I assume you would still be actively involved in the community. So I do not see any reason why anybody should be upset. Also, your personal life is exactly that - personal. Nobody at MBB will interfer with that, at least I have never experienced it.

Best,
Sebastian

Answer 2

Hi there,

this is a great question and I have witnessed an identical situation myself during my time at MBB.

First of all, the LGBTQ community is a very open and tolerant community. People from this community know that bisexual means one can "seem" heterosexual during periods of time.

Second, even if you accept the offer and you want to actively engage in the LGBTQ community, you will not necessarily tell all the people about your relationship status. You identify as "LGBTQ" and this is why you want to be part of it. Full stop.

Third, don't be too pessimistic about "why" you are hired. You are hired because of your skills, not your sexual orientation.

Hope that helps. If you are interested in further Information, feel free to write a private message.

Best, Birgit

Answer 3

Hey there,

We all know how hard it is to get into MBB. The process is so rigorous and no-one gets in through "favours" or anything like that.. You get in by merit and by the performance in interviews... So if you're in, then you earned it. There wont be any bad blood

Also, (with the example of McKinsey) - there are many allies and friends of the LGBTQ community that are not themselves in the LGBTQ community. No-one takes this as them gaming the system, and I can assure you that no-one will think that of you.

So really, don't worry about it! You're fine :-)

All the best

Answer 4

Offers are not made or rescinded based on your LGBTQIA status. It is all based on proven ability as assessed during the interview process. I would not worry about it at all.

Answer 5

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer!

Agree with Udayan and Thabang. Don't worry about it or overthink this!

All the best with your start. :-)

Cheers,

Florian