If we wish to create and live in a progressive and beloved community, we must stand for justice and equality and take action to learn how to recognize differences without attaching differences to privilege. Operating in more than 90 countries, the Human Rights Watch represents an organization that monitors governments around the world for abuse and oversees the creation of programs such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights programme.
Nearly 2.8 billion people live in certain countries around the world where identifying as a member of the LGBT community leads to the possibility of imprisonment, corporal punishment, or even death. On May 26, 2020, Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage. And from 195 counties, there are currently only 29 counties around the world that permit same-sex couples to marry. Conversely, merely 780 million people of the world population are living in countries where same-sex marriage or civil unions are a legal right.
Reported by the International Lesbian and Gay Association in May 2016, these figures showcase that there is still much to be done in the effort to attain universal rights for LGBT communities worldwide. Nevertheless, it should be equally acknowledged that there has also been significant progress over the past 10 years and numerous campaigns and programs are being established worldwide.
Amazing Companies That Champion LGBTQ Equality Hiring Now
Over the past few years, the corporate world has truly championed for LGBTQ equality as chief officers and employers have truly demonstrated their commitment – ranging from marketing campaigns, core company values, and public support of Equality, to hiring and health care benefits. It is crucial to acknowledge that many more companies are truly advocating for LGBTQ rights, especially if you identify as a member of the LGBTQ community and want to work for a company that is going to welcome and support you. As such, these aforementioned companies take measurements – such as public support, partnerships with LGBTQ organizations, and policy support as well as staying committed to a safe and accepting workplace.
However, while this progress is truly commendable, it accelerated the rise of a different issue – LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace. Recent data obtained from Glassdoor shows that LGBTQ individuals are still being mistreated as they face significant discrimination in the workplace. That being said, The Harris Poll conducted a Glassdoor survey that showed that more than half more specifically 53 percent of LGBTQ employees revealed that they have been the victim or the witness of anti-LGBTQ comments by co-workers.
Now in 2020, there are multiple companies, large and smaller ones, that champion LGBTQ equality hiring. So regardless of whether you are an LGBTQ-identifying candidate or simply an ally that aims to be a part of an inclusive company, then we’d recommend that you send your resume to the following businesses and aim to create a world where LGBTQ members will not face discrimination and harassment and will be provided with the equal opportunities as everyone else when applying in any firm or company.
Intuit
How they advocate for LGBTQ Equality: As one of the primary flagship employee resource groups, the Intuit Pride Network consists of 330 members that have 10 active chapters established across Intuit sites globally. The Pride Network, especially now during pride month, is an important part of the Intuit culture. Some organizations like the Domestic Partnership Benefits recognition celebrate these accomplishments such as the Bangalore fight for justice and the revival of their Safe Space Workplace initiative. Companies and organizations such as Intuit take numerous measures such as pursuing better LGBTQ education and awareness, fundraising, and hosting events that will benefit local organizations such as local food banks and including national organizations that champion LGBTQ+ campaigns like the GenderCool Project.
Visa
How they advocate for LGBTQ Equality: For five consecutive years, Visa has accomplished to reach a rating of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index™ which prompted recognition from the Human Rights Campaign FoundationTM as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality”. Visa has conveyed their immense support for the United Nations Standards for LGBTI, a prominent guide for the establishment of policies and practices for LGBTI employees and the formation of inclusive workplaces. Outlining the five Standards of Conduct to support the business community in tackling discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, the aforementioned guide published by the United Nations Human Rights Office is a key document that should be included in all companies when advocating for LGBTQ justice.
CIA
How they advocate for LGBTQ Equality: The CIA compromises of a dedicated Agency Resource Group referred to as ANGLE (Agency Network for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Officers and Allies). As one of the oldest employee resource groups in the IC, ANGLE accounts for the employment of hundreds of LGBTQ members, including allies and senior champions.“Generations of Pride: Leadership at Every Level” was the theme of the 2019 Pride Month and it explored the effects an individual can have in the LGBT community, or in general any community when they execute proper leadership and efficiently work with others to accomplish a common mission or goal regardless of whether or not the individual is a member of the LGBTQ.
How they advocate for LGBTQ Equality: The Google Diversity site states that “The Gayglers is composed of LGBT Googlers and their allies”. As such, Google has had various partnerships with LGBTI organizations that ensure the installment of policies against worker discrimination. Furthermore, the company has had numerous events over the past few years where they have promoted the idea of LGBTQ equality and inclusion in marketing campaigns. An employee at the Google Diversity site reported that “The group not only leads the way in celebrating Pride around the world but also informs programs and policies so that Google remains a workplace that works for everyone”.
How Can We Help Move Towards A More Inclusive World?
There are numerous other companies that champion LGBTQ Hiring and our hope is that this number will only continue to exponentially rise. As for how to obtain LGBTQ equality in the rest of the spheres of life, there are many things that an average person can do such as educate themselves on LGBTQ history, activism, and rights as well as donate to organizations and support non-profit organizations such as The Trevor Project.
Regardless of whether you’re a member of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, or know someone who is, there is a plethora of online resources available that provide genuine, informative and helpful advice that build the foundation of a supportive online LGBTQ community. If you are seeking a way to create a more progressive and peaceful society without any prejudice or destruction, the LGBT community is alive and thriving in the blogosphere:
- Advocate
- AfterEllen
- Towelroad
- District Counseling Blog
- Queerty
- My Kid is Gay
- Eponymous Fliponymous
- Bisexuality and Beyond
- DapperQ
- The Fab Femme
Source: https://www.districtcounseling.com/top-10-lgbt-blogs/
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/companies-lgbtq-equality/
https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/23/lgbt-moving-towards-equality
Author: Lina Nikolovska, MOTION Intern
