source: nic snell on flickr

The New York Times ran an article called “The Significant Other”, focusing on the consideration of a spouse in hiring decisions, particularly when the job in question involves high-profile meetings and fundraising appearances.

I do appreciate their inclusion of high-achieving women whose husbands were vetted in their hiring process.  What I would’ve liked to see in the article, however, is coverage of couples who are gay, racially mixed, or otherwise not a white heterosexual couple.

Being lucky enough to live in a major metropolitan area that is quite tolerant of diversity, growing up in a mixed asian and white household was nothing out of the ordinary. While criteria such as intelligence, generosity, sense of humor, etc. were always on my wish list, I’d always assumed that my significant other would be accepted at any social function I’d need to attend– and further, make a good impression. I’ve had it pretty easy on that front, since my darling BF is charming and witty in situations with coworkers and friends alike.  My workplace has some fairly open-minded people in it, but all the partners are married (or divorced), white, heterosexual couples.

The BF is a mixed Euro-mutt white boy, I’m a hapa chick, and nobody bats an eyelash at the two of us together.  However, I did get weird looks when I traveled to certain areas of the country… and some of my friends who are gay have experienced not-entirely-welcoming receptions as well.

I wonder how pervasive the behind-the-scenes interview is, and to what extent it influences the hiring decision. Do you think spouses should be weighted in the hiring equation?  And how common is diversity in the higher levels of your workplace?