4. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
2021 revenue: $168 billion5
Microsoft has been ahead of its peers in terms of LGBTQ+ rights for years. The tech conglomerate was one of the first organisations to include sexual orientation in their non-discriminatory policies as far back as 1989.
Today, the computing leader is a gay-friendly company to work for – scoring 100 points for the 17th time, according to the HRC’s index. Its Indian branch also received recognition in the 2021 IWEI, achieving Gold status which is the index’s highest rating. SAWEI also placed Microsoft under its Gold tier in the 2019 review of South African companies.
For US Pride in 2021, Microsoft offered a comprehensive suite of LGBTQ-branded merchandise to celebrate varying gender identities and sexual orientations, with intersectionality as the central focus. In the same year, it donated over $2 million to organisations that support LGBT persons.
The computing expert, that also offers artificial intelligence solutions, has previously used unique and creative ways to celebrate Pride. Its #FeelThePride campaign from 2019 harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to collate positive online messages about the LGBTQ+ community.
5. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
2021 revenue: $57.4 billion6
Having LGBTQ-friendly policies is one of the ways many big corporations are being socially responsible, and IBM is no exception. In 1984, the company added ‘sexual preference’ to its non-discriminatory policy and later introduced domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples.
These were monumental changes to make for the period, and the tech leader continues to champion diversity to this day. In June 2021, Katrina Troughton – IBM Australia’s managing director – was awarded CEO of the year at the LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.
The company is also home to regional employee affinity networks such as ‘Colorful Workplaces’ in Africa, ‘Japan Work with Pride’ in Asia and ‘Pride Connection’ in Latin America, to name a few.
IBM has received a 100% rating in the CEI every year since 2003, and its Indian branch also achieved Gold tiering in the 2021 IWEI report.
6. Visa Inc. (V)
2021 revenue: $24.1 billion7
Visa has a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights. Not only does it regularly participate in and donate to Pride Month celebrations, it also uses its lobbying power to back gay marriage and block mandates that threaten this.
The global payment solution has ingrained inclusivity in its workplace culture, from promoting women in leadership to advancing racial minorities. It’s also worked with many LGBTQ+ organisations such as the Trevor Project, a non-profit that advocates for mental health within the community and helps with suicide prevention.
Visa earned a 100% rating in the CEI for the eighth time in a row.
7. The Coca-Cola Company (KO)
2021 revenue: $38.7 billion8
Coca-Cola is known for celebrating Pride Month with rainbow-branded products, but it usually goes above and beyond that. The beverage company has featured on the HRC’s list of LGBTQ-friendly companies to work for from 2006 to today. It also supports and donates to LGBT+ organisations such as the Trevor Project and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
Coca-Cola has successfully run creative marketing campaigns to reshape negative perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community. One example of this is its Brazilian campaign from 2017, ‘Essa Coca é Fanta’, that put a positive and fun spin on a local derogatory colloquialism about gay people.
8. PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)
2021 revenue: $25.4 billion9
Like other companies on this list, PayPal actively advocates against LGBTQ+ discrimination. In 2016, a new law was passed in North Carolina that barred non-discrimination protections for LGBT persons.
During that time, PayPal was making plans to open an office in the state, a move that would’ve created over 400 jobs. Following the passing of this law, it announced that it would no longer move forward with the expansion. Many companies acted against the law in different ways, but this move by PayPal was lauded for having the most impact.
The payments company has made the HRC’s list each year since 2015.
9. Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)
2021 revenue: $29.1 billion10
Starbucks has made it clear on many occasions that it encourages diversity and inclusion. In 2013, the coffee company voiced its support for a referendum that backs gay marriage, and conservative clients responded by boycotting the brand.
One shareholder wasn’t happy about the financial ramifications of this, to which CEO Howard Schultz responded by backing the decision firmly. He stated that this wasn’t a financially motivated move and that the company will continue to advocate for and support LGBTQ+ rights.
The coffee expert got a score of 100 in the CEI for a 12th time in 2022.
10. Accenture PLC (ACN)
2021 revenue: $50.5 billion11
Last, but certainly not least, Accenture has proven to be an LGBTQ+-friendly organisation to work for across the world. The Irish consulting firm featured on the 2022 CEI list, achieved Gold tiering in the 2021 IWEI and got a Silver rating in the 2021 SAWEI. This speaks to the organisation’s efforts to be a fair and equal employer across several of its international hubs.
In 2014, Accenture’s PRIDE network partnered with the Gay & Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) to drive education and visibility internally. This collaboration, according to the firm, has seen the number of allies affiliated with PRIDE more than double over the years. The company also became the primary sponsor of GAZE in 2012 – an annual film festival that celebrates and awards LGBTQ+ media.
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Read More: Top 10 LGBTQ+-friendly Companies