The world has changed quite a bit in the last few decades, especially as it relates to LGBT issues and concerns. Same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states, and the LGBT community and their allies continue to do what they can to ensure equal rights.
We’re all human, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We all live in the same world, and no matter what style of life we live, we should feel loved and included. Businesses that target and support the LGBT community are doing what they can to aid in inspiring this feeling of belonging.
With all of the companies that are LGBT-friendly, there are others who aren’t, and there is still discrimination that occurs throughout the world. While everyone has the right to their opinions and decisions, the rest of us don’t have to agree with them or choose to buy products from companies who openly oppose LGBT people. Thankfully, there are many companies that show their Pride, which gives us the opportunity to feel better about buying their products.
Being LGBT-Friendly Is Good for Business
There have been surveys that show that businesses that are inclusive of the LGBT lifestyle get more business from the LGBT community and its allies. Conversely, enterprises that are not inclusive or supportive of the LGBT community and its allies receive less business from these people—and that can add up to a lot of money! It makes sense to appeal to and want consumers from the LGBT community since they spend approximately $800 billion a year.
However, the LGBT community and its allies claim that it’s not enough for companies to use same-sex couples or transgender individuals in their ads as a way to seem more LGBT-friendly. It’s important for the business to also support the community in other ways, whether through hiring practices, being run by LGBT individuals or donating money and time to help the LGBT community fight legal battles.
A Lot of Companies Support the LGBT Community
Every year, the HRC produces a shopping guide so that people know which businesses support the LGBT community so that they can support those enterprises. The amount of companies is extensive, which means everyone can feel confident about finding the products they want and need while still supporting a great cause.
Even with a long list of businesses that support the LGBT community, there are a few who stand out from the others. These corporations have gone above and beyond expectations to show their support of all people and their lifestyles.
- Google: Google has appeared on the list of LGBT-friendly companies for several years in a row. They urged lawmakers to pass the Equality Act, which would end discrimination against LGBT individuals, as well as changing their doodle to support Gay Pride month.
- Anheuser-Busch: This company supports the LGBT community and their allies with their ads, but they have also sponsored Pride events across the country. Anheuser-Busch has supported more than 40 of these events, which makes it one of the largest sponsors.
- Dove: This company does a great job of trying to be inclusive of everyone and their body types and lifestyles. They recently launched a campaign that featured the model Rain.
- Apple: The company’s CEO has openly come out as gay, and Apple does what it can to support the community and its allies through ad campaigns and federal legislation.
There are many other companies that do a wonderful job of showing their commitment to the LGBT community and its allies—both through their advertising campaigns and through their support of the community. You can also show your support by buying products from these businesses and backing their brands.