Apple, Nike Among Brands That Aced Test For LGBTQ+ Inclusivity For 20 Years

As part of Pride Month celebrations this June, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released a list of the most inclusive businesses for LGBTQ+ equality this year.

In 2022, 842 organizations made the cut, earning a 100% rating in inclusivity. According to the HRC, to earn the top ranking, employers have to display concrete steps taken to establish and implement policies, benefits, and practices within the workplace that safeguard equity for LGBTQ+ employees and their families.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), and with that, seven companies have been spotlighted for having maintained a 100% score for equality in the workspace over the two decades: Apple, JPMorgan Chase, American Airlines, Nike, Xerox, Eastman Kodak, and Replacements Ltd. 

Dr David Kilmnick, President of the LGBT Network, told GOBankingRates that the surge in the number of companies achieving a perfect score in the rankings shows the “tremendous progress” being made in terms of equality in corporate America. 

He explained that by creating safe and inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ folks, companies are allowing staff members to succeed while staying true to their “authentic selves,” while giving them an “important and influential voice” to speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric swirling in the media. 

Going forward, the CEI will expand its four key pillars—nondiscrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility—to include an expanded focus. 

The revamp will now take into consideration driving equality in LGBTQ+ family formation, transgender-inclusive healthcare policies, using training and data to ensure thorough investigation of workplace inequality, new regulations to promote gender inclusivity, and the availability of a comprehensive guide of resources and services to ensure the community’s access to healthcare. 

Head here to check out the full list of Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality in 2022.

[via GOBankingRates and Human Rights Campaign, cover image via Info633933 | Dreamstime.com]