Saying I'm gay when I'm not

[FoxtrotOscar20]

I am actively seeking a new job, and not getting an interview. More than one person has suggested I say I am gay on the form to get a guaranteed interview. Is this a thing? Really?
I would rather not lie to get a job, but people obviously do do this
AIBU to just be myself, or is it everyman for himself out there, and I should do it to get a foot in the door?

I'm genuinely interested in opinions

Well if you are taking that route then claim to be a black disabled lesbian, might get you an interview but your chances of actually getting the job will be pretty slim.
I very much doubt its your hetrosexuality thats stopping you getting interviews OP, theres another reason.

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and get you an interview in my place cos people are scored on their responses to the competency questions.

Sorry won't get you an interview that should say.

It’s not going to get you an interview op if you’re unable to compete against the other candidates. Being gay does not put you at the top irrelevant of other factors, the suggestion is ludicrous.

Oh my god. That is a ridiculous suggestion and shows how dim witted some people are.
I have worked all my life in organisations in the public or charity sector who carry out ethnic minority monitoring and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. None of them have quotas or recruit on that basis - we always give the job to the best candidate who meets the job specification. Its remarkable how people willfully misunderstand what equal opportunities employment practices mean.

If you lie or pretend to get a job then you are by definition not a suitable candidate as you lack integrity. Something that is extremely important in values driven work environments. And someone who is lying or being fake will not be able to fit in and thrive in a values driven culture. Shit advice.

And yes it's homophobic and nasty to suggest it.

DP works for the police and amonst all his collegues, it's commonly accepted that in order to get ahead, it greatly helps if you can tick a minorities box.

Given that Cheshire Police were found to have discriminated against a white, heterosexual male - article here - www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-white-heterosexual-male-discrimination-job-cheshire-matthew-furlong-a8793331.html - then I really can't see it being beyond the realms of possibility that by saying you were gay/bi, this would help your application.

I can't see the issue in doing so. What you identify as, sexuality wise, is your business and what would they do if you decided to pursue a straight relationship - fire you? I don't think so.

Whatever next? Men identifying as women before applying for senior management positions or women only shortlists or competing in women's sports?

Great idea op. Well done you. Who needs integrity? The fact you didn't realise that it won't work is co-incidental - you would be ok with taking from people who are discriminated against by lying. Disgusting. Try either working harder or aligning your salary expectations with your abilities.

@dappledolivegroves

This is exactly what I meant! Adult children of friends have applied for Police jobs and said the were gay. Of course when they got the job second time of applying, they put it down to the only variable IE saying they were gay. It enforces the belief that this got their foot in the door.

I would be extremely wary of any applicant that seemed to think their sexuality was relevant at the interview stage, because it isn't.