HRC was proud to join the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) for the inaugural commemoration of Global LGBTI Business Week last week in Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by the British, Dutch and Canadian Embassies and sponsored by Argentina World Friendly, the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and the Argentina Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CCGLAR). The gathering brought economic, public policy and global human rights experts together to discuss the goal of promoting a more equitable world for LGBTQ people.
The multi-day event was the first of its kind, creating a forum where thought leaders shared best practices for global LGBTQ economic development, highlighting international supplier diversity and demonstrating the business case for global LGBTQ equality. The summit included thought-provoking panel discussions and innovative activities. HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program Director Deena Fidas also participated several times throughout the event.
Supplier diversity programs ensure that the procurement process includes specific opportunities for minority-owned businesses, including women-owned, veteran-owned and, more recently, LGBTQ-owned businesses. The NGLCC began certifying LGBTQ-owned small businesses in 2002, a process that requires companies to substantiate a majority LGBTQ ownership, and verify its good standing in the community. HRC Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) assesses supplier diversity programs under the Public Engagement section of the Index criteria. The 2016 CEI report found that by courting LGBTQ-owned businesses, one-third of 2016-rated companies and law firms demonstrated their commitment to LGBTQ inclusion and now reap the benefits of working with businesses in the diverse communities in which they operate.
NGLCC is the largest global non-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people around the world. In 2016, HRC Foundation launched the Global Business Coalition, elevating the conversation about LGBTQ inclusion through participation in summits in India and Vietnam, and launched a groundbreaking program, HRC Equidad MX: Global Workplace Equality Program, in Mexico. This global dedication was featured during NGLCC’s Global LGBTI Business Week. HRC was proud to join with NGLCC for LGBTI Business Week as we all stand together to ensure that LGBTQ people flourish worldwide.
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