Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies That Go Above & Beyond Pride Collections
Every year in June, brands unleash their own Pride Month collections and splash rainbows on everything. While it is great to see the excitement of Pride Month taking over, the commercialization of the event has significantly diluted its purpose. Many brands and companies are no longer pioneering the effort towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community but rather jumping on the band wagon for selfish reasons.
Why do companies do this? According to a 2014 Google consumer survey, 47% of millennials are more likely to support a company after seeing an equality-themed ad. Support for the LGBTQ+ community has become good for business.
What makes the issue even more alarming is that a lot of these “put a pride flag on it” companies have not shown any support towards the LGBTQ+ community outside of “Pride Collections” and operate in states where people can be fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Prior to June 15th, 2020 Supreme Court ruling, 29 US States allowed for firing of employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
On June 15th, 2020 the Supreme Court finally passed a ruling that prohibits employers from firing individuals based on their sexual orientation or identity. (Source)
With over 11 million people who identify as LGBTQ+ in the United States, it’s imperative that our society exemplifies companies and brands that have and are continuing to push equality efforts for minority and undeserved groups. With our tracker you will be able to browse brands and companies that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community based on the following criteria:
- Has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ related causes
- Has equal rights & representation policies in the workplace
- Donates to LGBTQ+ non profit organizations on consistent basis
- Scores 100% on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index
- Creates Pride theme products to HELP RAISE AWARENESS
- Has partnerships with LGBTQ+ focused organizations
These are some of the criteria that we’ve evaluated before including any of the companies in this tracker. While we understand that not every company will check off every criteria, a consistent history of effort towards helping the LGBTQ+ community is what we valued most when adding brands and companies to our list.
So before you decide to buy a product/service or even apply for a job at a company, check out the list below to see if the said company is doing its part in making LGBTQ+ equality and representation a priority.
You can also skip to a section by clicking any of the buttons below:
TECH
APPLE
Apple is continually working to recruit more diverse employees with half of its new recruits coming from underrepresented groups. Apple has been holding the “Best Place to Work” for LGBTQ+ equality at HRC for over 15 consecutive years. They have been constantly using their voice to support LGBTQ+ rights and freedom across the globe. (Source)
Google partners with various LGBTI organizations, most of which protect employees against employment discrimination. The Gayglers consists of LGBTQ+ Googlers and their allies, according to the Google Diversity website. This group leads the way into celebrating Pride across the world, as well as implements updated policies that don’t discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. (Source)
IBM
IBM isn’t new to promoting LGBTQ+ equality. The company added sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy in 1984. (Source) They continue to promote, as well as defend LGBTQ+ rights across the globe and have actively influenced policy and legislation in Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina. (Source)
MICROSOFT
Microsoft has been consistent with its perfect rating at HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. It was one of the world’s first organizations to offer worker benefits to same-sex spouses and partners.
At Microsoft, the employee reSource group GLEAM has a significant impact on its LGBTQ+ members. GLEAM members can interact via programs like Ignite talks, cross-corporate LGBTQ+ networks, cultural activities, lunches, sporting events, discussions with top community leaders and gender, volunteering, fundraising for local LGBTQ+ organizations. (Source)
HP
From its early days, HP understood that drawing from diverse points of view enhances its services and products— and HP as a whole. HP works with a Human Rights and Labor Policy, committing to fair treatment. In 2018, HP received 100% Corporate Equality Index in HRC’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. (Source)
INTUIT
According to an Intuit blog, the Intuit Pride Network is a flagship employee reSource group, part of Intuit’s Diversity Council founded a decade ago. There are currently 330 members strong and still counting. The Intuit Pride Network is a vital part of the company’s culture. It helps create a better organization that values diversity and equality and inspires everyone to contribute to powering prosperity across the globe.(Source)
XEROX
Many of Xerox’s accomplishments as a business originate as a result of diverse individuals whose varying skills and perspectives complement one another as they work side-by-side to achieve the company’s strategic goals. Xerox has also consistently scored 100% on CEI annually since its inception over a decade ago. (Source)
SALESFORCE
The LGBTQ+ community at Salesforce is called Outforce, which brings together workers who are allies of equality in gender identity and sexual orientation. It promotes an open, inclusive environment that empowers everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work daily. (Source)
SLACK
Based on Slack’s recent Diversity Report, nearly 7.8% of its U.S. workforce identifies as LGBTQ+ and the same percentage of its US managers identify as LGBTQ+. The company is fully committed to improving the representation of underrepresented groups and minorities in the industry. Currently, they offer a strong Employee ReSource Group for all LGBTQ+ individuals. (Source)
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
H&M
Since 2018, H&M has been releasing Pride Collection, celebrating love and equality in all its glory. For this year’s Pride celebration, 10% of the global sales price from H&M’s “Stay True, Stay You” collection will support the work of the UN’s Free And Equal campaign against the discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
NIKE
Nike was awarded “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” in 2019 by the HRC. It was also ranked #6 in the top 25 most LGBT-friendly employers, 2019. (Source)
Nike’s colorful Be True collection includes uniquely designed footwear and apparel inspired by the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates the passion and pursuit of sport by all athletes by contributing to a part of the proceeds to LGBTQ+ focused initiatives. (Source)
ADIDAS
Adidas’s world headquarters boasts employees of 100 nationalities. The company has been ranked as one of the best LGBTQ-friendly companies in the world. They are also cultivating a gender-balanced leadership. According to Adidas, diversity is not just a box to check; rather the brand’s secret formula for shaping the future of sports. (Source)
AMERICAN EAGLE
100% of sales from American Eagle’s 2019 Pride collection, featuring tank tops, boxers, and t-shirts ranging from $12.95 – $19.95, benefited the It Gets Better Project. (Source)
ASOS
100% of net profits from the ASOS DESIGN x glaad collection are donated to GLAAD. Majority of the collection is unisex. To date, the partnership between ASOS DESIGN and GLAAD has raised over $250,000. (Source)
REEBOK
In honor of Pride Month, Reebok released its Pride Collection with portion of the sale proceeds going to Fenway Health to support their ongoing mission of improving the well being of the LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
GAP
Gap’s active support for LGBTQ+ rights and partnerships with organizations like GLAAD has been recorded for year. As a brand with a 50-year history of celebrating equality for all, Gap kicks off Pride Month with opportunities for workers and consumers to celebrate through special products from the brands, colorful window displays, and Pride parades. (Source)
UNDER ARMOR
To celebrate and raise awareness for the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, Under Armour launched special edition UA HOVR SLK EVO collection. They’ve also created internal culture clubs within the company to better represent undeserved and minority groups within the company. (Source)
EXPRESS
Express released “Love Unites” collection aimed at celebrating 50 years of pride and raising a minimum of $100,000 for GLAAD by donating 25% of every order from this collection to accelerate the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
CONVERSE
The Converse Pride Collection features classic Chuck Taylor low-tops and hi-tops with various Pride symbols like the Chuck 70 sneakers inspired by the pride lag. Profits from the sales benefit LGBTQ+ groups like OUT MetroWest and It Gets Better Project. (Source)
DISNEY
In 2019, the Rainbow Disney Collection was launched and offers 50+ products, including jewelry, ringer tees, backpacks, etc. The Rainbow Disney Collection includes products inspired by the diversity of Disney fans around the world. If you purchased one item from the collection through June 30, 2019, Disney donated 10 percent of the profits to GLSEN. (Source)
LEVI'S
Since the early 1980s, Levi Strauss stepped up to support the LGBTQ+ community, from being the first Fortune 500 company that extended healthcare benefits to unmarried domestic partners in 1992 to asking the US Supreme Court to affirm that everyone has the right to marry. (Source)
CALVIN KLEIN
Calvin Klein partnered with trans actress Indya Moore (Pose) to represent its Pride capsule collection with undisclosed percentage of proceeds going to HRC and its mission of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
KENNETH COLE
Kenneth Cole has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to sell limited-edition T-shirts through HRC. All profits from the sales go straight to HRC to help support LGBTQ+ equality. (Source)
FOSSIL
100% of proceeds from Fossil’s limited-edition Pride Month watch case benefit the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The company joined forces with HMI to elevate national events and community conversations, celebrating inclusion and acceptance. (Source)
TOMS
The TOMS Unity Collection features yellow-gold sunglasses paired with rainbow gradient lenses. As part of TOMS’ ongoing mission, the company provides free eye care and footwear for homeless youth — 40 percent of whom identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transsexual. (Source)
TODD SNYDER
Todd Snyder+Champion’s Pride Collection features hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatpants with rainbow lettering. 20% of sales are donated to the National Park Foundation to support Stonewall National Monument. This project will ensure that the stories and voices of influential LGBTQ+ civil rights figures are preserved and brought to life for today’s park visitors. (Source)
RETAIL
MACY'S
During National Pride Month in June, Macy’s showed its commitment to inclusion and respect for all. The brand helped raise awareness and crucial funds to support The Trevor Project’s efforts to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. (Source)
AMAZON
Amazon’s culture of inclusion is reinforced within its 14 Leadership Principles, which remind each team member to seek diverse perspectives, earn trust, learn, and be curious. (Source)
20 years ago, an employee at Amazon started Glamazon by creating a simple email list to connect with other LGBTQ+ Amazonians. Today, Glamazon has over 60 active chapters across the globe working closely with HR reps and business teams to establish an inclusive workplace, host tons of community events, and celebrate Pride annually. (Source)
NORDSTROM
Nordstrom was an early adopter of incorporating sexual orientation to its anti-discrimination policy. This means the company guarantees the same legal rights and protections to LGBTQ+ workers just as it does for everyone else in the workplace. (Source)
TARGET
EBAY
eBay has an officially recognized LGBTQ+ employees group known as eAGLE, which stands for eBay Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Employees, as well as BeAGLE, the group for buddies of eAGLE. The company also offers gender-reassignment surgery, mental health counseling, hormone therapy, and paid leave to transgender employees. (Source)
IKEA
Each IKEA branch has its own Inclusion and Diversity ambassador. Every year, on May 17th, IKEA celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOT ) to stand up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. (Source)
PVH
PVH has always maintained a culture where they treat each employee like family members and celebrate the unique perspectives of everyone. According to their Chief HR OFFicer, Dave Kozel, PVH understands the crucial role that employees play in the company’s success, and thus PVH is committed to establishing a respectful, inclusive workplace. (Source)
The company’s efforts in satisfying all of the Corporate Equality Index’s criteria resulted in a 100% ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. (Source)
FOOD & BEVERAGES
STARBUCKS
Last year, Starbucks donated $250K to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. The donation helped the organization improve access to mental health resources across the nation that are trying to make a difference for the LGBTQ+ communities. (Source)
COCA-COLA
With an active LGBTQ+ Business ReSource Group in operation for nearly 15 years, the company has been ensuring equality for its LGBTQ+ employees. In 2011, Coca-Cola began offering trans-inclusive health coverage and recently started assisting with tax expenses forced upon eligible US workers whose same-sex partner or spouse was enrolled in healthcare benefits. (Source)
NESTLE
Ensuring that its employees can work in a friendly, comfortable environment is the top priority for Nestle. The company has been working directly with LGBT+ employees to enrich and enhance its policies, which was recognized by the HRC and scored 100% on the 2019 CEI. (Source)
BURGER KING
In 2014, Burger King included the “Proud Whopper” in their menu. Consumers soon realized that the burger was the same, except it was covered in a rainbow wrapper. Meanwhile, profits from the sales were donated to the Burger King McLamore Foundation for scholarships benefiting LGBTQ+ college-bound high school students who graduated the next year. (Source)
BAKED BY MELISSA
For the fourth year in a row, Baked by Melissa donated 10% of the net proceeds from its Pride collection to The LGBT Community Center in 2019, which offers NY LGBTQ+ communities health and wellness programs. (Source)
POSTMATES
Besides joining the Pride Parades in Nashville and San Francisco, Postmates is donating $10K to help the Human Rights Campaign continue its work in protecting LGBTQ+ Americans. (Source)To celebrate Pride and help support the L.A. LGBT Center, Postmates partnered with Susan Feniger and Sweetfin to create a Rainbow Bowl, with 25 percent of the profits going to the ACLU to help support the L.A. LGBT Center. (Source)
DORITOS
Doritos designed a limited-edition bag of rainbow-colored chips to support It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. (Source)
SHAKE SHACK
Shake Shack released the Pride Shake for June 2019 to celebrate LGBT Pride Month. The Pride Shake was a strawberry shake mixed with lemonade and topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. A dollar from the sale of every shake was donated to The Trevor Project, and 100% of proceeds from Shake Shack’s capsule collection went to the same cause. (Source)
SIMMONS & SIMMONS
Simmons & Simmons is proud to be a Stonewall Top Global Employer for LGBT people. Together with its LGBT+ and Allies networks, as well as in collaboration with the suppliers, community partners, and clients, Simmons & Simmons is at the forefront of driving LGBT inclusion in the workplace. (Source)
BEAUTY
MAC COSMETICS
MAC Cosmetics has been supporting the LGBT community for years with its Viva Glam lipstick. The new ac Loves Pride collection serves up glitter, blush, eye shadow, lipstick, and more in kaleidoscopic colors suitable for the parade. (Source) Additionally, Mac Cosmetics is donating $500K to GLAAD over the course of the next two years to honor the 25th anniversary of Viva Glam. (Source)
SEPHORA
HARRY'S
Harry’s released a limited-edition Shave with Pride set that comes with a box crafted by illustrator José Roda. Besides giving 100% of profits from the sales to The Trevor Project, the company donated $200k to support The Trevor Project’s on-demand training system. (Source)
MILK MAKEUP
When you buy Milk Makeup’s Limited Edition Glitter Stick or Pride Pack, 50% of the retail purchase price from both will go to The Center — an LGBT resource center in downtown New York— during the month of June. (Source)
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Johnson & Johnson supports equal rights within its communities. The company continues to provide support for equality in courts. It also supports the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and promotes education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals through partnership with PFLAG.
PHARMA
GILEAD
The LGBT Alliance at Gilead Sciences is committed to promoting an inclusive and accepting environment where gender diversity is celebrated and employees feel empowered to contribute to the company’s success. (Source) During the transgender awareness week, the company celebrates the achievements and resilience of trans and gender non-conforming individuals. (Source)
ABBVIE
AbbVie tweeted an announcement stating that the company’s LGBT-inclusive workplace practices and policies earned it 100% on CEI in 2019. (Source) On top of that, FORTUNE ranked AbbVie in the “Top 10 Best Workplaces for Giving Back.” This ranking also accounted for how women, Baby Boomers, people of color, and LGBTQ+ employees experience giving back in the workplace. (Source)
AMGEN
Amgen PRIDE — LGBTQ+ and Allies Network is one of the 9 Global Employee ReSource Groups at Amgen that helps promote and illustrate the impact and value it has on their business. (Source)
ELI LILLY & CO
The company’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is noteworthy as it relates to the global LGBT ally program, voluntary gender identity self-identification and sexual orientation, reverse mentoring, and so on. The company’s LGBT+ Allies groups include 3 branches: corporate, field (US) and international. (Source)
HOTELS & HOSPITALITY
HILTON
Through its award-winning Supplier Diversity Program, Hilton has cultivated relationships with over 3,352 women, Veteran, minority, and LGBT-owned businesses, by developing strategic alliances with organizations whose values and culture are consistent with Hilton’s. It was recognized as the best place to work for LGBTQ+ equality by the HRC. (Source)
HYATT
Hyatt’s 100% rating on HRC’s LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality includes perfect marks for its protection against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; benefits programs for LGBT employees including equivalent partner and spousal benefits, Diversity and Inclusion training, trans-inclusive health insurance coverage; and public commitment to the LGBT community. (Source)
AIRBnB
CEO and Co-founder of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, believes that discrimination is the greatest challenge a company faces today. Thus, partnering with Out for Undergrad (O4U), Airbnb works with LGBTQ+ undergrads preparing for careers in business, marketing, tech, and engineering. (Source)
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
Caesars Entertainment is also proud to offer its EQUAL program, which is a group created for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. EQUAL is the first of its kind in the entertainment and gaming industry. It provides volunteer and networking opportunities to its members and helps promote equality both in-and-outside the workplace. The company has also received a perfect score on the CEI for the 12th year in a row. (Source)
AUTOMOTIVE
UBER
With UberPride, the organization is creating a diverse, inclusive workplace environment, especially focused on making all LGBT folks feel welcomed. They are actively promoting LGBT policies and rights in regions they operate. Over the years, Uber has consistently earned a top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s CEI. (Source)
TESLA
GENERAL MOTORS
General Motors facilities around the world fly the rainbow LGBT Pride Flag in June during Pride Month. The company is committed to creating a global culture of diversity and inclusion and has been a leader in its support of LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. It has a strong anti-discrimination policy that protects all of its LGBT employees. (Source)
AIRLINES & AEROSPACE
AMERICAN AIRLINES
AA has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion and has received recognition among several corporations for its leadership. For example, in 2019, the company received a score of 100% in the HRC’s CEI for being one of the best places to work for LGBT equality. (Source)
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Southwest Airlines has community partnerships with multiple local and national organizations that are dedicated to LGBTQ+ causes and initiatives. (Source) The Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute at Southwest works to gain full equality for LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY by building, supporting and implementing a diverse network of LGBT leaders. (Source)
UNITED AIRLINES
United Airlines has consistently shown great support to the LGBTQ+ community by upholding inclusive practices and policies, partnering with LGBT+ organizations, and hosting engagement events and programs to honor the community. (Source)
AIRBUS
Airbus launched the Pride@Airbus employee network BY signing the UN Standards of Conduct for Business for LGBTQ+ community at Davos in 2019, while also raising awareness with an internal communication campaign. The company has also committed to the LGBTQ+ charter with Autre Cercle, a leading French national homosexual voluntary associations. (Source)
LOCKHEED MARTIN
Lockheed Martin recognizes that Employee Networks and Employee ReSource Groups (ERGs) are key ingredients of workplace inclusion programs, providing an effective benefit to all employees. The company’s ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace for LGBTQ+ community. (Source)
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
The organization aims to build an inclusive workplace where each employee can openly bring his or her true self to work and feel confident that their contributions are valued. It is also the first-ever aerospace and defense company to march in the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade (Source)
FINANCIAL SERVICES
PAYPAL
Paypal’s network, PayPal Pride, furthers its commitment to Diversity and Inclusion for its LGBTQ+ workers and allies. They host 16 chapters around 6 different regions. In 2019, for the tenth consecutive year, the company scored a solid 100 at CEI, making PayPal one of HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBT equality.” (Source)
EY
EY supports the LGBTQ+ community globally via Unity, which is a network for LGBT professionals and their allies. Unity boasts over 1,600 members worldwide, hailing from the four major geographic areas of the company: America, EMEIA, Asia-Pacific, and Japan. (Source)
VISA
Visa Inc. has shown great support toward the United Nations Standards for LGBTI, an excellent guide for practices and policies for LGBTI workers and inclusive firms. Visa has obtained a score of 100 on the CEI for 5 years in a row, gaining recognition from the HRC Foundation as one of the best places to work for LGBT equality. (Source)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
AT&T
In 1987, LEAGUE at AT&T was established, making it one of the first LGBT and ally Employee Resource Groups in the country, now with more than 5,500 members across 39 chapters in the US, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It is also one of the first US corporations to provide Trans-inclusive healthcare benefits. (Source)
VERIZON
Not only did Verizon score 100% on the Corporate Equality Index in 2019, they also partnered with PFLAG and implemented an internal road map to promote free expression and equality for the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace. (Source)
T-MOBILE
T-Mobile is another company that got a perfect 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index. In addition they’ve continuously supported and raised money for LGBT related causes and even teamed up with Ariana Grande to raise additional awareness and funds. (Source)
BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS
NIELSEN
Nielsen was labeled number 16 on the 2019 DiversityInc Top 50, which is a prestigious list ranking public/private companies on their commitment to workplace diversity. Additionally, the company was also named to 2 specialty lists: recruitment and LGBT+ employees. (Source)
Nielsen also scored a perfect number on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index and was recognized “Best Place to Work” for LGBT Equality for the sixth consecutive year last year. Their Diverse Intelligence Series was initially dedicated to multicultural consumers. Today, it has expanded to incorporate the latest trends among LGBTQ+ veterans, and disabled customers. (Source)
WE COMMUNICATIONS
In 2019, the company earned a 100% score in the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. WE is proud to be identified as one of the best places to work for LGBT+ equality. WE’s LGBT employee resource group, WE PRIDE, brings ongoing learning opportunities and community involvement to many of its offices. (Source)
LEO BURNETT COMPANY
Leo Burnett was one of the few companies with headquarters in and around Chicago to achieve a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index and earn the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality”. Leo Burnett was also named to the 2019 Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index, identified as an industry leader for inclusion and diversity. (Source)
OGILVY GROUP
On January 21, 2020, Ogilvy announced that it’s received a perfect score of 100 on this year’s Corporate Equality Index for the sixth consecutive year. It has once again been named one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality. (Source)
FINAL REMARKS
While many Americans are becoming more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community as evidenced by a 12% increase in consensus data on acceptance of different sexual orientations from 2006 to 2017, there is still a lot of work to be done. (Source)
There’s currently no federal law that protects employees from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in the US. (Source) In 29 states, not only can people be fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity, they can also be evicted or even denied services. (Source) It’s astonishing to think that in 2020, someone can still be denied service for who they choose to identify as or for their sexual preferences.
Luckily, there are some awesome organizations and charities that are continuing to help and fight for rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States and across the globe:
Good to see you guys not include brands like Listerine or Dr. Martens who slapped the pride flag on their products and called it “Support”. Keep up the authenticity.