How Can I Support LGBTQ+ Community With My Investments?
If you're looking for ways to support the LGBTQ+ community, look no further than your investment portfolio. There is a growing number of companies that promote social inclusion and equality for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By investing in these businesses, you can help make a difference in the lives of the LGBTQ+ community everywhere.
What does LGBTQ+ mean and why is it important to be inclusive when investing?
The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. These are just a few of the many sexual orientations and gender identities that exist. In order to be inclusive when investing, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of LGBTQ+.
There are many reasons why it's important to be inclusive when investing. First and foremost, it's simply the right thing to do. All people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, businesses that promote inclusion tend to be more successful than those that don't. By supporting companies that champion diversity and inclusion, you can help create a more equitable world for all.
How can you make sure your investments are supporting the LGBTQ+ community in a tangible way?
There are a few ways to make sure your investments are supporting the LGBTQ+ community. One of the simplest is to invest in companies that have made a public commitment to inclusion. Many of these businesses have adopted policies and practices that specifically benefit LGBTQ+ employees, such as non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for same-sex couples, and transgender-inclusive health care coverage.
Another way to support the LGBTQ+ community with your investments is by investing in funds or indexes that focus on socially responsible companies. These funds typically screen out businesses that engage in harmful activities such as human trafficking, weapons manufacturing, and environmental destruction. By investing in these funds, you can be sure your money is going towards businesses that share your values of diversity and inclusion.
What are some of the best companies to invest in if you want to support the LGBTQ+ community?
There are a number of great companies to invest in if you want to support the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some of the examples:
Apple (AAPL)
Start with Apple when researching LGBTQ+ investing. Tim Cook, a LGBTQ+ CEO, leads Apple. In 2014, Cook became the first CEO of a major company to reveal his homosexuality publicly.
Apple released the following statement to AllThingsD in response to gay marriage becoming legal in the United States: “Apple strongly supports marriage equality, and we consider it a civil rights issue. We commend the Supreme Court for its decisions today.” According to a press release, not only could Apple be a great investment since it has an LGBTQ+ friendly history, but also because they belong among the most influential companies in the world with a positive financial outlook towards the future.
United Therapeutics (UTHR)
A biotechnology company that qualifies as one of the LGBTQ+ businesses on the stock market because its founder and CEO, Martine Rosenblatt, is a trans woman. She is a highly accomplished leader and one of the wealthiest female CEOs in the United States, having founded SiriusXM. Rosenblatt has always been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and United Therapeutics is one of the most inclusive companies in terms of gender identity and sexual orientation.
IBM (IBM)
IBM, an international technology company that develops hardware and software, is another good example when it comes to good LGBTQ+ practices. Claudia Brind-Woody is the company's vice president and managing director, a proud LGBTQ+ member.
In 2018, IBM partnered with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to launch a series of business seminars in Latin America that promoted LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, according to the HRC's website. IBM also supports more than 40 diversity network organizations in 30 countries and has urged its partners to implement more diverse working programs and offer more LGBTQ+ friendly products and services.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more businesses that promote inclusion and equality. So whatever your interests or beliefs may be, there is sure to be a company out there that shares your values.
Looking for other ways to get involved?
There are many other ways to get involved in the LGBTQ+ community beyond investing. Here are a few suggestions:
Attend an LGBTQ+ event in your area.
Donate money or supplies to an LGBTQ+ charity or organization.
Volunteer your time at an LGBTQ+ shelter or community centre.
Stand up against discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people.
How do we move forward towards a more inclusive society when it comes to investments and beyond?
We can all continue to invest in LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and stand up against discrimination. We can all make a difference by simply choosing to invest our money in companies that share our values.
As an investor, you have the power to make a real difference in the world. By supporting businesses that promote social inclusion and equality for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, you can help make a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community everywhere.
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