The purpose of this qualitative study was to conduct an in-depth narrative exploration of the sexual identity management experiences of lesbian executives, whose work-life stories were mostly untold until now. They navigated an invisible identity in a visible organizational position and their lesbian identity remained a subtext that permeated their relationships with others. The findings revealed four dimensions of experiences reported by the women in this study regarding managing the disclosure of their sexual identity in the workplace: (a) navigating intersections of sexual identity and multiple identities, (b) reactions of others to how they manage their sexual identity in the workplace, (c) feelings related to their sexual identity management, and (d) strategies used to manage their sexual identity in the workplace. Many of the women adopted one of three patterns of disclosure decisions that may be characterized as either Cautious, Confident, or Conditional. The need for authenticity was a driving force in managing their sexual identity disclosure decisions. Since the work-life narratives of lesbian executives have never before been captured in academic research, this study is significant in that it provides vivid descriptions about the management of their workplace disclosure experiences and thus a foundation for future research. The participants' work-life narratives may also provide inspiration for other women so they may (a) realize they are not alone, (b) learn what the effective strategies were for others, and (c) recognize their experiences are not so different from other lesbians in executive positions. Finally, this study may provide coaching and counseling professionals with a clear description of workplace sexual identity management experiences so they may help their clients find their own voices and unique ways of managing their disclosure decisions.

Keywords. sexual identity management, lesbian, executive, intersectionality, women