9 Big Companies Speaking Up For Gay Rights

Many corporations choose to stay away from touchy politics, and for a good reason. When there is an issue with two distinct sides, companies don’t want to alienate one or the other. However in the past few months, we’ve seen an outpouring of major corporations showing their support for gay rights, particularly gay marriage. Let’s take a look at nine brands that have recently launched ad campaigns to support same-sex marriage or gay and lesbian workers.

1. General Mills

General Mills took a stand against the Minnesota constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. While their cereals have always had the connotation of traditional family values, General Mills is publicly speaking up for same-sex marriage. For them, it has led to a boycott by the National Organization for Marriage, however they say “this is a business issue that impacts our employees. We believe a diverse, inclusive culture produces a strong, more engaged workforce and strengthens innovation.”

2. Google

Last Saturday, Google launched the “Legalize Love” campaign in Poland and Singapore to promote safer working conditions for LGBT employees. Google intends to roll out the initiative to every country where the company has an office, and will focus on places with homophobic cultures, where anti-gay laws exist.

3. Microsoft

Microsoft has also come out in support of legalizing same-sex marriage. They have been vocal in Washington State, saying that “discrimination of any kind lowers the quality of employees that the company is able to hire.” Further, they have released a post on their blog about why marriage equality would be good for business.

4. Kraft

Kraft showed their support of Pride Month by releasing an image of a rainbow-stuffed cookie on its Facebook Page, stating: “Proudly Support Love.” When asked about it, the company said that it was a “fun reflection of their values.”

5. Facebook

Facebook has released a new marriage icon for same-sex couples, clearly showing their support for same sex marriage. The new icons show two women or two men.

6. JC Penney

JC Penney has been powerfully supporting gay marriage for almost a year, starting with hiring Ellen Degeneres as their spokesperson. Despite backlash and boycotting from the organization A Million Moms, the company stuck by Ellen’s side. Then, this past May for Mother’s Day the company sent out catalogs that didn’t only include traditional parents, but also lesbian parents. They did the same in June for Father’s Day.

7. Starbucks

Starbucks is a company commonly referred to for it’s strong ethics, which may be why it is not surprising that they are were supporting same-sex marriage during Washington State’s marriage equality push. The Vice President of Starbucks said that the company is “deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and treating one another with respect and dignity.”

8. Nike

Recognizing that there is a strong stigma against homosexual athletes, Nike hosted the Nike LGBT Sports Summit at Nike World Headquarters. They invited about 20 different organizations to help map a path toward ending bullying and LGBT bias and discrimination in sports.

9. Levi

Levi Strauss & Company has supported equal rights for gays for quite some time. Last year they filed an amicus brief with the California Supreme Court showing why it would be economically beneficial to allow same-sex couples to get married. Further, Levi developed a marketing partnership with “Milk,” the movie about Harvey Milk, a gay civil rights leader.