I am a gay male at work and I get along with everyone in company with very few examples. However, I am the type of person who is touchy feely and the associates are aware of this. I come from a long list of huggers and feelers to say in the least. Well, and issue came up when to male co workers very recently and they basically said that I touch them inapprociately. I came from behind and tickled them and I have been doing that for about 2 years and they laughed about it. And now, that this one person is having a bad day at work and he hates the job now, guess what...might as well as bring one person down because I am gay.

I need to know if just touching someone on the shoulders or tickling them constitudes sexual harassment? And given the fact that I have done this with the females and males and yet the females are never bothered by this and loved by them. Personally I feel I outted for being gay and aggressive worker.

Touching and tickling may not constitute sexual harassment alone. However, if you do not touch people at work, you will avoid "grey" areas. I always advise people to play it safe at work. Do not touch co-workers and try to be as appropriate as possible.

Are you in California? California and a few other places prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

In any case, touching, hugging, tickling and even giving another person unwelcome looks all constitute sexual harassment if those behaviors are taken against someone because of their gender OR if it is perceived that is the reason why the perpetrator is doing these things.