Commit to the LGBTQ+ Community When Hate Is On the Rise

As a dramatic spike in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislation occurs in the United States and in other countries around the world, there’s a growing disconnect between well-meaning executives and their constituents. Just as LGBTQ+ employees and communities, civil rights advocates, and socially conscious consumers are looking to employers to take action, many companies are walking back their previous support. However, a majority of consumers continue to expect that corporations maintain their commitment through action, and continue to reward companies that do so with their support and patronage. Amid a hostile social and political environment, companies must root their actions in their organization’s purpose, value proposition, and values, to embed pro-LGBTQ+ support in their organization’s identity for the long run. The author recommends three steps to do this: 1) Connect LGBTQ+ inclusion to your customer base, operations, and values; 2) Collaboratively design initiatives that benefit LGBTQ+ communities; and 3) Take a purposeful stand and defend it.