Pride Month

It Gets Better Announces Year Three of Major Grants Initiative to Empower LGBTQ+ Students

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It Gets Better, the world's largest storytelling effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth, has opened applications for year three of its 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. grants initiative. Grants of up to $10K each will be awarded to middle or high schools throughout the United States, including US territories, and fund projects that uplift, empower, and support the well-being of local LGBTQ+ students. The project is made possible by support from American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) on behalf of its American Eagle (AE) brand and through AE customer donations during Pride Month, 2023 with additional support from the MAC Viva Glam Foundation and Tumblr.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It Gets Better, the world's largest storytelling effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth, has opened applications for year three of its 50 States.
  • It Gets Better has awarded over $1 million to middle and high schools across the United States.
  • "In a time when so many in positions of power are attempting to strip rights away from LGBTQ+ students, 50 States.
  • This is the first year the MAC Viva Glam Foundation and Tumblr have joined AEO in supporting 50 States.

Crypto.com Arena and Peacock Theater Certified as Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ by The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

The certifications follow AEG’s pledge in July 2022 to roll out the SIGBI Safe Spaces initiative to its venues and festivals.

Key Points: 
  • The certifications follow AEG’s pledge in July 2022 to roll out the SIGBI Safe Spaces initiative to its venues and festivals.
  • Crypto.com Arena and Peacock Theater worked closely with SIGBI to provide the proper training, policies, and standards to ensure that both venues are advocating for equality and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees and customers.
  • SIGBI announced the launch of its Safe Spaces Certification Program during Pride Month in June 2022.
  • SIGBI is inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ+ rights movement born from The Stonewall Inn riots of 1969.

MillerKnoll Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 4, 2023

ZEELAND, Mich., Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic design brands, has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

Key Points: 
  • ZEELAND, Mich., Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic design brands, has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
  • HRC's Corporate Equality Index is the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
  • "MillerKnoll has a history of setting the pace for workplace equality with programs to support our associates, but with this year's extended metrics and measurements, our CEI 100 score is even more meaningful," said Andi Owen, President and CEO of MillerKnoll.
  • MillerKnoll's efforts in satisfying all the CEI's criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

Synchrony Achieves Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, today announced it has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the eighth consecutive year that Synchrony's commitment to LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion is recognized with the company achieving the designation as recipient of the "Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion."

Key Points: 
  • STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, today announced it has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) , the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
  • "Synchrony strives to be a champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion now and in the future," said Michael Matthews, Synchrony's Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility Officer.
  • We will continue to work to ensure that every individual feels safe and welcome to bring their authentic self to work at Synchrony."
  • Synchrony included the "+" in its Diversity Networks to encourage all employees globally to partner as an ally and "be the plus."

Panasonic Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Corporation of North America today announced it has received a 100% ranking from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning it the designation as a leading company for LGBTQ+ employees in the United States. Panasonic's achievement is a culmination of more than a year-long, employee-led effort to carefully examine, reflect, and act on improving policies, introducing processes, and expanding existing program offerings for LGBTQ+ employees. 

Key Points: 
  • NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Corporation of North America today announced it has received a 100% ranking from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning it the designation as a leading company for LGBTQ+ employees in the United States.
  • "At Panasonic, we remain both committed and accountable when it comes to ensuring a physically and psychologically safe workplace where every person can thrive," said Megan Myungwon Lee, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America.
  • "We cultivate an environment where everyone is able to share their voice and talents, and have the opportunity and resources to fully realize their potential.
  • We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for our efforts to elevate equity for the LGBTQ+ community and foster an inclusive company culture."

transcosmos awarded Silver in the PRIDE INDEX 2023, an indicator of workplace commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive initiatives

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 17, 2023

TOKYO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- transcosmos inc. is proud to announce that on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the company was ranked with Silver in the PRIDE INDEX 2023, an overall indicator of workplace commitment to LGBTQ+ and other sexual minority-inclusive (LGBTQ) initiatives.

Key Points: 
  • transcosmos is driving efforts to increase LGBTQ allies and to create a pleasant workplace for all by fostering better understanding of LGBTQ (sexual minorities) and SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) among all employees.
  • The PRIDE INDEX was established in 2016 by a voluntary organization, work with Pride as the first performance index to measure LGBTQ inclusion efforts at workplaces in Japan.
  • Companies and organizations that satisfy designated requirements for each pillar receive scores, and are recognized as Gold, Silver and Bronze based on their ratings.
  • Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

Hitachi receives top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Today, Hitachi announced that it has received the top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023", an index forevaluating activities related to sexual minorities, hosted by the Japanese non-profit group "work with Pride."

Key Points: 
  • Today, Hitachi announced that it has received the top "Gold" award in "Pride Index 2023", an index forevaluating activities related to sexual minorities, hosted by the Japanese non-profit group "work with Pride."
  • This award recognizes Hitachi's activities to promote DEI globally, including in-house seminars and "LGBTQIA+ Guidebook" provided for all employees.
  • In July 2023, Hitachi invited instructors from NPO Nijiiro Diversity to conduct an online seminar for all Hitachi Group Employees.
  • I believe that the achievement of "Gold" award in the "PRIDE Index 2023" is a remarkable step in our journey.

Moose Toys' Wins and WOWs at 2023 Toy of the Year® Awards

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 30, 2023

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Moose Toys, an innovative leader in the toy industry, won two prestigious accolades, including Champion of Diversity & Inclusion for Art Director Brent Bell in the inaugural people-focused awards, and an inaugural Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Silver) at the Toy Foundation's 24th annual Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards. The TOTY Award winners were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at Cipriani's 42nd Street in New York City, opening day of The Toy Association's 2024 Preview and 2023 Holiday Market.

Key Points: 
  • The TOTY Award winners were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at Cipriani's 42nd Street in New York City, opening day of The Toy Association's 2024 Preview and 2023 Holiday Market.
  • With a steadfast commitment to an "All Welcome'' workplace, he co-founded the Moose D&I Committee in 2022, leaving an indelible mark.
  • Hosted by The Toy Foundation, TOTY accolades are based on votes from mass and specialty toy retailers, media, Toy Association members and consumers.
  • To stay up to date on these latest innovations and for more information about Moose Toys' full range of products, visit moosetoys.com .

Queer leaders: LGBTQI+ people still overwhelmingly absent from corporate boards

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Big corporations such as North Face, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target and Kohl’s have all recently ran inclusive ad campaigns featuring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people.

Key Points: 
  • Big corporations such as North Face, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target and Kohl’s have all recently ran inclusive ad campaigns featuring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people.
  • This makes sense from a business perspective, with “pink money” weighing 3.5 trillion euros globally and around 874 billion euros in the EU.
  • And I can testify that diverse corporate boards are a long shot from becoming reality.
  • This comes as a particular surprise given the European Commission’s recent pledges to boost opportunities for the community.

The case for diversity

    • And yet, the case for board diversity is stark.
    • What’s more, a truly diverse board could boost companies’ ratings in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
    • For example, this could mean advocating for queer rights in some of the near 70 countries that continue to criminalize same-sex relationships.

Step forward

    • For DEI initiatives to reach a successful outcome, there must first and foremost be reliable demographic data.
    • Due to historic discrimination against LGBTQI+ people, there has long been a justifiable reluctance to self-identify.
    • The findings showed that when companies are not inclusive, LGBTQI+ employees are willing to leave for those that are.
    • The organization encourages out LGBTQI+ corporate directors to self-identify, be counted, and mentor qualified candidates for board seats.

Leveraging gender policies to appoint more LGBTQ+ women at the top

    • After the share of CEOs in the Fortune 500 dropped by 25% in 2018, a host of European countries, including Norway, Germany, Finland, France and Spain, introduced gender quotas in 2022.
    • As companies look to comply with this law, there is an opportunity to appoint women who identify as LGBTQI+.

Progressives' embrace of Disney in battle with DeSantis over LGBTQ rights comes with risks

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

Ron DeSantis over LGBTQ rights and whether those rights should be acknowledged – let alone taught – in schools has spurred an unlikely alliance between progressives and one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies.

Key Points: 
  • Ron DeSantis over LGBTQ rights and whether those rights should be acknowledged – let alone taught – in schools has spurred an unlikely alliance between progressives and one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies.
  • Progressive groups such as The Human Rights Campaign have welcomed Disney to their cause, while progressive columnists at The Daily Beast and MSNBC have cheered Disney’s recent lawsuit against DeSantis.
  • Disney v. DeSantis raises questions of how advocates of free speech and democracy should approach a situation when a corporation joins their side.

Power to persuade

    • Corporations spend billions of dollars each year to lobby Congress and billions more lobbying state legislators.
    • They finance think tanks and foundations that promote their views and interests.
    • Progressives have blasted the decision for unleashing torrents of corporate cash that they say is corrupting the political system.
    • In the statement that caused trouble with DeSantis, Disney showed itself a reasonable partner for advocates of LGBTQ rights.

Politics and profits

    • Corporations’ loyalties tend to lie with profits and shareholders, and the political principles that companies embrace may get quickly discarded when profits are threatened.
    • The Vanguard Group’s retreat from the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to reduce carbon emissions when it felt pressure from investors reveals this vulnerability.
    • But because corporations are market-oriented, they can be even more inconsistent allies than is usually the case with politicians, parties and interest groups.
    • Thus, conservatives were staggered to learn that Chick-fil-A, a reliable supporter of conservative causes, hired a vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.