Attention Corporate America: You’re So Gay

Another week, another top 10 list.

But, this one is important. DiversityInc has released its “Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees.” How were these companies chosen? Instead of a talent/swimsuit/public speaking contest, these companies were appropriately analyzed by the following factors: inclusive benefits for same-sex partners of employees, strong diversity training programs, recruitment efforts aimed at LGBT people and the vitality of the company's LGBT employee-resource group.

Check out the Web site for a complete listing of the winners. In addition to the #1 company on the list, our client Ernst & Young, I was also impressed with:

PricewaterhouseCoopers: Did you ever feel that “boy/girl, I would love an LGBT mentor who understands the challenges we face in the workplace?” PwC gets that—it has a strong LGBT resource group, called GLBT Mentoring Circles (imagine those happy hours!). Also love that PwC doesn’t hide their support of the LGBT community, publicly outing itself in collateral materials and on its Web site.

KPMG: This accounting firm is racking up awards for its commitment to LGBT equality. What makes them unique, in my mind, is their benefit program for LGBT employees and their partners, including coverage for gender reassignment surgery. Let’s face it—that’s a big step in the financial sector.

AT&T: Adoption is big in our community, and AT&T has embraced this by providing adoption assistance as part of its benefit program (note: AT&T is a Fleishman-Hillard client).

The full list is a who’s who of major brands, and that’s a great thing. These brands employ a significant portion of the global workforce, and they have the opportunity to set the standard in LGBT relations by committing to consistent support of our community. That makes it easier for these brands to engage with us and market to us because we’ll see that they just don’t want our money, they want our respect. Thanks, DiversityInc., for giving some mad gay props to companies who deserve it.

Is there a company missing from this list? Does your company really embrace our community? Tell us your story.

Now, from the completely unrelated files, two entertainment notes:
1. Grey Gardens—LOVED it. Following up on my earlier post, Jessica Lange was a tour-de-FIERCE. And Drew Barrymore proved that she could do more than just talk from the side of her mouth.
2. You’re Fired—I’ll admit I watch “Celebrity Apprentice,” just for the Rivers women (Joan and Melissa) alone. However, there was a cringe-inducing moment this past week. The Donald was praising one of the competitors, NFL Great Herschell Walker, for his efforts in the game. It was a virtual love fest. And then, Donald came out of nowhere with this: “I’m not a gay man, but I do love Herschell.” Really, Donald? Does it make you gay to express your affection for another man? I know Donald is crazytown, but that was disappointing. I don’t see him as any sort of iconic thought leader, but the man has good business sense. Where was his common sense?

Share | May 1st, 2009 1 Comment »
Tags: Corporate Engagement · Corporate Social Responsibility · Marketing · Workplace Issues