LGBTQ companies to invest in

In partnership with Intelligiants

Are you investing in LGBTQ-friendly companies?

Sometimes it’s hard to overlook the fact that we live in progressive times. Yes, sure, there are setbacks – quite often motivated by politics. However, not that long ago the concept let alone the implementation of an ‘LGBTQ-friendly workplace’ was unheard of. And while there’s still a long way to go, there are now hundreds of employers who have created workplaces catering to all creeds and kinds.

We owe a lot of our progressive inclinations to the internet – itself a progressive bastion of technology and a digital space responsible for the speedy spread of information, the evolvement of technology and more ways and means to encounter profitable opportunities. 

Of the many ways in which the net provides paths to financial returns, investing has really taken centre stage. It’s also taken on many forms, catering to all kinds of budgets by way of a diversified selection of opportunities as well as ways in which to invest.

However, nowadays investing shouldn’t just be about financial returns, it should also go deeper to reflect your own value system,  or to make you think about your values and what ideals you’re actually subscribing to.

Socially responsible investing

It’s not good enough to only look into investments only for the purposes of hopeful profits.  One’s need for profit should be matched by one’s values and ethics and how can you certify that your investments when trading in Dollars ends up in companies that has the right value grounds, stand for equality and how do you know that these policies are followed?

If you’re going to invest, then it would be advisable to be aware of socially responsible investing, also known as ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing. You’ll know you’re partaking in ESG investing when you purchase stock or even speculate on a share price of a company that upholds and/or adheres to the following principles:

• Contributes to the sustainability of the planet while also driving positive environmental initiatives.
• Has a strong stance on social justice, promotes diversity and inclusion, and assists minority groups in being less marginalised.
• Is transparent with shareholders and is morally sound in its corporate governance.

Noteworthy LGBTQ-friendly companies

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)

Google has long been an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ community. Trading under its parent company – Alphabet – Google has personified its support of the LGBTQ community by creating a specific support group known as ‘Gayglers,’ and has been known to sponsor trips for education and diversification.

In the past it sent 60 managers and employees to Warsaw in Poland for a workshop based around diversity issues in Central and Eastern Europe.

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)

In just the last year, Microsoft and its employees have given charitably to various organisations that support the LGBTQ community. More than $2 million has been donated along with an additional $150 000 going to organisations like Act To Change, Outright Action International and The Trevor Project.

For the last 13 years straight, Microsoft has achieved a 100% score on the HRC’s Equality Index.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Apple has truly shown itself to be a strong proponent of the LGBTQ community. Apple’s status as the largest company in America is matched by its consistent support of the LGBTQ community, so much so that it’s enjoyed 15 years in a row as being rated the best place to work for members of the LGBTQ community.

Apple supports and champions various LGBTQ advocacy organizations including and not limited to the National Center for Transgender Studies.

In fact, for this year’s Pride Month (2021), the company unveiled two new Apple Watch Pride bands along with a new Pride watch face.