Corporate America’s LGBTQ+ Progress: Balancing Inclusion and Backlash in 2024
Staff Editor Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index Shows Progress Amid Challenges
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has released its latest Corporate Equality Index, revealing an increase in benefits and protections for LGBTQ+ employees in U.S. companies. However, the report comes amid growing efforts by conservative activists to discourage participation in the Index.
Several major corporations have recently withdrawn from providing information for the Index. McDonald’s is the latest to join this trend, following in the footsteps of Walmart, Ford, and Harley-Davidson. Despite these withdrawals, the HRC continues to rate these companies based on publicly available information.
The conservative pushback against the Corporate Equality Index is part of a broader campaign targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This movement has gained momentum following the 2023 Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.
Despite these challenges, the 2025 Index saw the introduction of 72 first-time participants and an increase in companies receiving perfect scores. HRC President Kelley Robinson stated, “While we’re seeing progress, we’re also facing unprecedented backlash against the LGBTQ+ community in all aspects of society.”
The Index rates companies on various criteria, including anti-discrimination policies and health benefits. Notably, the inclusion of gender transition guidelines in the scoring criteria has led to an increase in companies adopting such policies.
David Glasgow of NYU School of Law commented on the changing landscape of DEI programs, noting that some companies are opting for quieter implementation of these initiatives to mitigate legal risks.
Since its debut in 2002, the Corporate Equality Index has played a significant role in improving workplace benefits for LGBTQ+ employees. The criteria for achieving a perfect score have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms and expectations.
As the debate over corporate DEI initiatives continues, the Corporate Equality Index remains a key benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace equality in the United States.
