This map reveals a powerful narrative at play in business and the public square in this country. First, let’s address the obvious. Why are there empty grey-colored states on this map of the United States? We wanted to create a quick and easy way to activate our community in the interest of equality in business and in the public square. A number of major employers and organizations for various reasons have decided to weigh in publicly in matters of diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, many business leaders and public figures have emerged on a soapbox posing as authorities on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice—out of personal experience or conviction, social pressure or in some cases ignorance—to the detriment of the brands or causes they represent.

The public square has become noisy and messages can become convoluted thus allowing the desired impact to be muted. Or worse yet, allow brands we know and love to remain silent while benefiting from the sidelines. This map is a state by state key of the businesses who publicly wear the badge of Best Places to Work for the LGBTQ Equality, are proud members of the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act and/or they include certified LGBT business enterprises in their supplier diversity initiatives. No matter their flavor of equality in business and the public square, we need to engage them, support them and in some cases challenge them to live up to their public declarations, commendations and prior actions in support of equality.

At a glance, there are 422 employer organizations that publicly support LGBTQ equality in business and in the public square grouped by the location of their US headquarters. Follow the links as follows to examine the details.

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have major employers that enjoy political, social and economic influence within the state. There are 19 states without a large private sector employer organization headquartered within the state that has publicly advocated for the rights of LGBTQ people in the workplace, supply chain or located within the state. Many of our favorite equality-supporting brands are operating in these 19 states and they enjoy some influence.

Why care?

Our collective voice and economic power can have an impact. When there are public concerns, laws or actions that either negatively or positively impact the LGBTQ+ community we can be heard as employees, consumers, investors and/or citizens.

Cultivating a meaningful relationship and connection with the LGBTQ+ community and allies has far reaching implications on the corporate bottom line. A deeper connection than the rainbow version of their logo, an annual Pride sponsorship or the many commercial spots and ads declaring support and solidarity with the Queer and Trans community over time.

The LGBTQ community is sophisticated and discerning with intersectional concerns representing a significant consumer base. That base has a buying power of approximately $1 trillion in the U.S. and globally a combined $3.7 trillion.

As a community, equality in business and the public square means we will show our support (or concern, as necessary) when brands are:

• acting in favor of human rights, equality and nondiscrimination,
• engaging with the understanding that the LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith, and
• demonstrating the significance of diversity and inclusion in their business strategies, commitments, actions and results.

Stay alert, be heard and take action.

Companies by Region

Northeast

South

West

Midwest