This Thursday the Austin American – Statesman reported the unprecedented House of Representatives’ approval to add gays to the list of protected workers. Coincidentally, the current issue of Curve lists its annual “Top Ten Companies for Lesbians” list. The ten companies listed are: American Express, Citigroup, Deloitte & Touche, Gap Inc., General Mills, JP Morgan Chase, Merck & Co, Pepsico Inc., Price Waterhouse Coopers and Wells Fargo. I’ve included links to their diversity policies.
Some of these companies are loud and proud about their commitments to our community and offer, in addition to partner benefits, paid adoption leave, recruiting from LGBT and women-specific organizations such as Reaching Out MBAs and Financial Women’s Association. Price Waterhouse Coopers made a loud statement with a 30 percent increase in female partners in five years, an LGBT Partner Advisory Board and 11 LGBT Networking Circles. American Express has contracted Ellen DeGeneres for their ad campaign, “My Life. My card.”
So what does this say? To the companies: we are paying attention, and don’t forget that we gays and lesbians prefer brands that show support to our community. To our community from the corporations: we continue to work to create a culturally dynamic environment for the progress of the LGBT and business communities. From the media: we are key in providing visibility and offering a “pat on the back” for the good work you do. This list enforces the role targeted media plays in building and sustaining corporate reputation.
Curve listed additional companies which scored 100 on HRC’s Corporate Quality Index. Scoring a 100 is a requirement to be considered for Curve’s Top Ten list. In this list, I am happy to point out Texas companies such as AT&T, Dell and Hewlett Packard.
Kudos to all of the companies supporting the LGBT community and including women- specific programs. There is still a ways to go, however. For example, Hispanic Business publishes a Top 40 list for Hispanics to work for. Although Curve listed additional companies who did not make the Top 10 list, I hope one day the number of companies on board is so high that Curve’s Top 10 list will be a Top 40, 50, or better yet, 100 list.
SUBSCRIBE