Dec 5, 2010 Melanie Shearer
Support LGBT Equality - Microsoft Images
One of the easiest ways to support lesbian, gay,bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals is to participate in events that bring awareness to the many obstacles that LGBT people face on a day to day basis. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is an organization that performs advocacy for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders. Each year the HRC rates businesses on workplace equality and how LGBTs are treated in their places of employment. At this time of year when many are choosing gifts for loved ones, why not try to purchase gifts from merchants who support LGBT employees and their families?
Gift Buying Guide
The HRC compiles the Holiday Buying for Workplace Equality Guide each year around the winter holidays. The Guide rates employers by using answers to survey questions that the businesses supply to the HRC. From these results, the rating system is broken down into three categories based on colors. Green businesses have the highest marks and are recommended by the HRC. Yellow businesses have taken action for LGBT equality in the workplace, but have not received the highest ratings due to continued work on improvements to LGBT equality. Red businesses are considered the least fair-minded of all workplaces. HRC recommends that buyers choose other merchants for their gift needs until red businesses improve the equality in their businesses.
Stores that Support LGBT
In 2010, the HRC has awarded several businesses with the Green rating. The ratings have been separated out by store type.
Apparel stores that scored highest ratings are Macy’s, J.C. Penney, and Sears. Most of these stores can be found at local malls in many areas of the country. They also have great online stores for convenience and to-your-door delivery.
If someone on your gift list has requested gadgets or techie items, HRC has given highest ratings to these merchants: Apply, AT&T, Dell, and IBM.
Sometimes a quick trip to the drug store is required for last minute gifts. These drug stores scored high on this year’s Buying Guide: CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
Finally, making that holiday dinner will require a trip to the local grocery store. Choose grocers with high ratings from HRC such as Acme Markets, Save-a-lot, and Shop ‘n Save.
Why Buy from Businesses that Prohibit LGBT Discrimination
Supporting LGBT friendly businesses is an important way to encourage employers to strive for equality in the workplace. When you buy from vendors that support LGBT equality, you are doing your part to ensure that members of the LGBT community are treated fairly and with respect. For more information on equality initiatives and business that scored poorly on the equality in the workplace survey, visit the Human Rights Campaign website.
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