Three southern lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organizations in North Carolina (Equality NC), South Carolina (SC Equality), and Virginia (Equality Virginia) have launched “Equality Means Business,” a coordinated, multistate campaign designed to showcase businesses that know how vital LGBT employees and customers are to their success in a modern economy.
A majority of businesses know that hiring LGBT employees and opening their doors to LGBT clients and customers is not only the right thing to do, but is also good for business.
- The Equality Means Business campaign recognizes those businesses that protect their LGBT employees from discrimination and have also pledged to welcome LGBT customers and clients.
- These businesses not only improves each state’s reputation as a welcoming place to live, work, and visit but also, improves the lives of the more than 500,000 LGBT people who call these states home.
- Plus, Equality Means Business is also a tool for consumers to use if they want to ensure their patronage is supporting a business – or any place of public accommodation – that is welcoming to LGBT people.
“We are thrilled to work with equality groups in North Carolina and South Carolina to launch this exciting program,” said James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia. “Businesses that welcome LGBT customers and clients and take a stand for workplace non-discrimination deserve to be recognized for moving Virginia, the region, and indeed the whole country in the right direction.”
To download a printable PDF version of this webpage, please click here.
For more information about the Equality Means Business launch in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, please view our press release.
Join Equality Means Business in Three Steps:
Becoming a member of Equality Means Business is easy! Follow the simple steps below, and that’s it! Although it’s, if developing a non-discrimination statement, include sexual orientation and gender identity – if you need help developing your non-discrimination statement – check out our FAQ page.
- Complete the Equality Means Business membership form
- Sign the pledge on the membership form, which guarantees that your customers and clients will not be denied service and employees will not be denied or restricted from employment because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity
- Once you’ve completed the form, just send it back to us, along with your non-discrimination statement:
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 804-643-1554
Mail: P.O. Box 17860, Richmond, VA 23226.
After you become a member, your business will be listed in the Equality Means Business online directory, and you will receive marketing material that will let everyone know that your business is a welcoming place to work and shop!
Community Member’s Guide
Would you like to ask your favorite hairdresser or your local restaurant to join Equality Means Business? We’ve created a friendly guide to help walk you through the process – click here to access the Community Member’s Guide. You’ll see how easy it is to ask shop owners to join!