2025 Corporate Equality Index Shows Increased LGBTQ Support at Work

January 17, 2025

The release of the 2025 Corporate Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provides a comprehensive snapshot of the progress and setbacks experienced by major companies in their support for LGBTQ employees. As societal debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) intensify, this year’s report offers valuable insights into how businesses are responding. Some companies, including industry leaders like Meta, Ford, and Lowe’s, are scaling back on DEI programs, yet the findings of the index reveal a more complex picture of corporate America’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusivity.

Growing Number of Top Scorers

Increasing Perfect Scores: One of the most striking trends highlighted in this year’s report is the significant increase in the number of companies achieving perfect scores. The 2025 Corporate Equality Index saw 765 businesses earn top scores of 100, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. These perfect scores are awarded based on rigorous criteria, including non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers, support for an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility. This marks a notable achievement for companies such as Apple, Citigroup Inc., General Motors, LinkedIn, and Macy’s, which have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering LGBTQ-friendly workplaces.

Inclusive Benefits: A vital component of these high scores is the provision of LGBTQ-inclusive benefits. The report noted a significant increase in the number of companies offering these benefits, with 75% of surveyed businesses providing LGBTQ health benefits, up from 63% the previous year. These benefits cover a wide range of services, ensuring that LGBTQ employees receive comprehensive health coverage. By offering such inclusive benefits, companies not only support the well-being of their LGBTQ employees but also position themselves as attractive employers to a diverse talent pool. The emphasis on inclusive benefits reflects a broader recognition of the importance of supporting all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Gender Transition Guidelines

Increase in Gender Transition Guidelines: Another key finding of the 2025 Corporate Equality Index is the considerable progress in the implementation of gender transition guidelines. The report reveals that 1,051 companies have put in place comprehensive gender transition guidelines, representing a 21% increase from the previous year. Such guidelines provide a framework for supporting employees undergoing gender transition, including procedures for name and pronoun changes, adjustments to dress codes, and access to appropriate healthcare. By establishing these guidelines, companies create a more supportive environment for transgender employees, helping to reduce stigma and promote a culture of inclusivity.

Growth Over Time: The trend of increasing support for transgender employees is further underscored by the historical data presented in the report. The number of companies with gender transition guidelines has steadily increased over recent years, rising from 660 companies in 2022 to 1,172 in 2025. Similarly, firms offering trans-inclusive healthcare have grown remarkably, from just 46 in 2009 to 1,317 in 2025. This long-term growth indicates a sustained commitment to improving support for transgender employees, reflecting broader societal changes and greater awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender community. By prioritizing gender transition guidelines and trans-inclusive healthcare, companies demonstrate a proactive approach to fostering an equitable workplace.

Non-Discrimination Policies and Training

Comprehensive Non-Discrimination Policies: One of the foundational elements of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace is the adoption of comprehensive non-discrimination policies. The 2025 Corporate Equality Index found that an overwhelming majority of companies (98%) included both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in their employment non-discrimination policies. These policies are critical for ensuring that LGBTQ employees are protected from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. By explicitly including protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, companies signal their commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all employees.

Managerial Training and Employee Competency: Beyond policy adoption, many companies are taking additional steps to promote LGBTQ inclusion through training and education. The report indicates that 84% of companies provide training for managers on gender identity and sexual orientation. This training equips managers with the knowledge and skills needed to support LGBTQ employees effectively and address any related issues that may arise. Furthermore, 75% of companies offer at least four ways to promote LGBTQ diversity competency among employees. These initiatives may include workshops, seminars, resource groups, and other educational programs designed to raise awareness and foster a culture of inclusion. By investing in training and competency-building efforts, companies help to embed inclusivity into their organizational culture.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Public Commitment to LGBTQ Community: The 2025 Corporate Equality Index highlights the various ways in which companies demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQ community. Nearly three-quarters of businesses included in the index publicly commit to LGBTQ initiatives through diverse programs, such as LGBTQ supplier diversity programs, targeted marketing and advertising, philanthropic support, and public policy advocacy. These initiatives reflect a broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach that aligns business practices with the values of equity and inclusion. By engaging in such efforts, companies contribute to the wider social good and reinforce their reputations as socially responsible entities.

Inclusive Products and Services: Another aspect of corporate social responsibility highlighted in the report is the development and promotion of LGBTQ-inclusive products and services. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of offering products and services that cater to the needs and preferences of LGBTQ consumers. This not only involves inclusive marketing campaigns but also ensuring that the products and services themselves are designed with LGBTQ customers in mind. By prioritizing inclusivity in their offerings, companies can better serve a diverse customer base and build brand loyalty among LGBTQ consumers. This approach reflects a forward-thinking business strategy that embraces diversity as a source of strength and innovation.

Conclusion

The 2025 Corporate Equality Index released by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provides a detailed look at how top companies are doing in terms of supporting LGBTQ employees. This report comes as societal debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are becoming more heated. This year’s index offers key insights into how businesses are responding. Despite some major companies, including Meta, Ford, and Lowe’s, reducing their DEI initiatives, the findings present a nuanced view of corporate America’s dedication to LGBTQ inclusivity. The report highlights how some businesses remain steadfast in their efforts to foster an inclusive environment, while others appear to be retreating amidst growing public discourse and political pressures. Overall, the 2025 Corporate Equality Index serves as a crucial barometer for understanding the evolving landscape of LGBTQ support within corporate structures, reflecting both the gains and the challenges that lie ahead for achieving true workplace equality.

Subscribe to our weekly news digest.

Join now and become a part of our fast-growing community.

Invalid Email Address
Thanks for Subscribing!
We'll be sending you our best soon!
Something went wrong, please try again later