Best Places to Work for GLBT People 2009

The Human Rights Campaign has created a list of the top businesses that support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Findings are based on the 2009 Corporate Equality Index, the annual report that rates corporate America's treatment of LGBT employees, 260 businesses received top ratings.

Click here for the industry headings. Each business name links to a more detailed profile of their policies and practices

Web Spotlight: Gay Trucker's Association

The Gay Trucker's Association (GTA) is an organization that was founded to meet the needs of those who work in the trucking industry and those who support and admire these professionals. Our organization welcomes everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or experience level.

Lesbian Couple in U.K. Face Discrimination at WorkPlace

"Beth Moules and Sharleen Amos, both 24, both saleswomen, told the hearing they were ridiculed by a senior staff member who branded their sexuality "disgusting". They claimed a colleague told staff the pair had performed a threesome with their sales manager being "the meat sandwich between them". They claimed the firm ignored their complaints of sexual harassment, and they were allegedly told to stop complaining because "lesbians had never and would never suffer in the way that Jews did".

The women, who live together in Swindon, Wilts, are claiming sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal at the tribunal in Bristol. The pair joined Bristol-based Aquatec Rainsoft, which makes water purifications systems, in October 2006.

Aquatec Rainsoft accountant Anne Boyle told the hearing that the company had "done everything it could to protect" the couple." (Telegraph)

I am glad that the company claims to be trying to protect the couple. I would urge the company to fire the senior staff member who made those homophobic comments, and also issue a diversity training program which includes sexual orientation issues for their staff.

Please politely encourage Aquatec to follow the above measures, click here.

Exhibition House
North View, Soundwell, Bristol, BS16 4NT, United Kingdom
+44 117 910 9988

Senator Brophy: "Finds No Pattern of Gay Discrimination"

According to Lavender Newswire:

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray of Colorado, has introduced a stunt amendment arguing that gay people do not need a bill to protect against discrimination.

"The debate on the Senate floor over a bill that would expand the prohibition of sexual orientation-based discrimination became personal and emotional this morning after a senator offered a rhetorical amendment to ban discrimination against short people.

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, withdrew the stunt amendment after arguing that there is no need for the bill because he has not seen evidence that gays and lesbians are discriminated against when seeking a job or a home.

“What I’m talking about is economic discrimination, political discrimination, employment discrimination,” Brophy said. “I find no pattern of any of those.”

Email him to let him know why sexual orientation/gender identity need anti-discrimination laws as a form of protection.

Citizens for Greg Brophy

P.O. Box 332

Wray, CO 80758

970-332-5766

Email: greg@gregbrophy.net

CT Residents: Support HB 5723 for Transgender Equality Without a Teachers Amendment

According to Queers Without Borders:

"Read, Take Action and Forward!

Did you know that transgender individuals in CT can still be fired from their jobs or denied housing simply because of who they are?

A bill now before the CT House of Representatives (HB 5723–An Act Concerning Discrimination) would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression."

Contact your State Representative today to support this bill.

Pledge-a-Thon for Workplace Equality

Help Lambda Legal make the case for equal workplace rights by signing their petition.

Click here for Pledge-A-Thon petition for Workplace Equality

Here is the pledge you would sign above:

"I believe that workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and people living with HIV is wrong. I pledge to support workplace equality whenever I can and will strive to do one or more of the following:

* Treat LGBT people and people living with HIV with respect in and out of the workplace.

* Get educated about forms of workplace discrimination that LGBT people and people living with HIV experience.

* Help make my workplace LGBT- and HIV- friendly.

* Support my co-workers' (or employees') right to form an LGBT employee resource group.

* Help improve policies in my workplace that protect the rights of LGBT workers and workers living with HIV and work to carry out existing policies.

* Help improve laws protecting the rights of LGBT workers and workers living with HIV on the local, state and federal level.

* Speak out if I witness workplace harassment or discrimination at work or in the community."