When considering where to spend your hard earned dollars, the options are many, no matter what the service or product you seek for your family. As LGBT consumers, perhaps the deciding factor may be whether a particular company has shown support to their LGBT employees and to the LGBT community at large.
Numerous companies, even though not mandated by law, have joined the increasing list committed to doing the right thing. From providing domestic partner benefits to allocating a meeting space for their LGBT emplyoyees, major companies recognise the importance of creating a welcoming job environment for all employees. Although many companies have taken the first steps towards equality for all, some only go part way, for example, denying health coverage for fertility treatments to same-sex couples or don't include gender identity sensitivity training. When considering making a purchase, give thought to supporting some of the following companies who prove through internal and external measures that they meet the gay-friendly criteria in their policies.
General Motors and Ford Top the List
Subaru used tennis great Martina Navratilova in an ad campaign in 2000, signalling the turning point in large companies targeting the LGBT community specifically. Navratilova was previously vociferous in her claims that being a lesbian cost her endorsement contracts. The fact that this did not stop Subaru endeared the company and continues to be a favourite brand today among the gay and lesbian community. Choices abound however in this category; the Human Rights Campaign gives General Motors and Ford Motor Company a top rating in its latest poll of gay friendly companies.
In fact, very few auto companies do not offer at least domestic partnership benefits. According to GayWheels.com, Hyundai, Kia, and Suzuki have yet to join the gay friendly ranks. Some sections of the Honda brand do offer same-sex benefits but have yet to apply them across the board and in some cases the cost of fertility treatments is specifically denied to employees in same-sex partnerships.
When filling up your vehicle, try to hit Texaco or Chevron as they offer full support to their LGBT employees, whereas as Exxon has a long way to go, steadfastly refusing to offer benefits to same-sex employees.
Clothing Companies Score Well
When looking for clothes for you and your family, consider Sears, including KMart, which provides domestic partnership benefits and includes sensitivity training on sexual orientation and gender identity. There is also an internal support network for their LGBT employees. Sears scored a top score of 100 in the HRC Campaign for equality. Macy's also hit the 100 mark; along with other top scorers, Macy's provides some support for transgendered employees, either going through the process or for surgery and counselling options. Target and JC Penney also deserve support as they receive top marks in the 2009 HRC Corporate Equality Index.
For the best dressed baby, consider the Gap which has clothes for growing babies as well as a maternity line for mums-to-be. Of course, it also scores 100 in the HRC ratings.
Toys R Not Great For Gays
Toys R and Babies R Us score lower on the HRC ratings as they do not advertise or market to the LGBT community (the growing market of LGBT families may seem like a natural choice for this company). There are no internal resources either for their LGBT employees.
Brand name, Hasbro, makers of Scrabble and Sorry among other games score low as they have no reference to gender identity support and non-discrimination in their policies. Mattel, makers of Barbie and Fisher-Price toys, scores higher (95) while Microsoft (Xbox) and Electronic Arts score 100 per cent.
Seattle's Best Good for LGBT
This is an area where the family budget has seen a price increase but the good news is a large number of companies score well on LGBT policy initiatives, providing variety and multiple choices for families. For the older kids, no need to choose between Pepsi and Coke - both companies support their LGBT employees. Kraft Foods, makers of a number of kid-friendly favourites, score just shy of perfect. Kelloggs does not have a non-discrimination clause regarding gender identity but does have a gay-pride group in the company (K Pride Allies).
For the parents at the end of a long hard day of child-rearing, don't feel guilty about enjoying a cold Coors or a warming drink from Starbucks - both companies are highly recommended for their gay-friendly workplace policies.
The Human Rights Campaign annually review companies based on their policies that affect LGBT employees and their families. In these changing times, the gay-positive list continues to grow and hopefully one day, the HRC will not need to monitor corporate America any longer.
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
