A new generation of investors wants profit aligned with principle. More and more, people are putting capital into companies that reflect their values, and before investing, check not only a company’s financial fundamentals, but also how they rank on the social responsibility scale.
Socially responsible investing is sometimes also known as ESG investing (‘ESG’ stands for environmental, social and governance). This can include investing in companies that support fair trade policies, promote sustainable industry, and embrace diversity.
As it turns out, many times what makes the world a better place can also be financially profitable. For example, we see many companies embracing female leadership whose stocks have soared. Companies which embrace differences in gender identity and are allies to the LGBTQ+ community have seen a stock price boost as well, according to recent analysis. In honour of International Pride Month, here are some examples of leading LGBTQ+ friendly companies in which you could choose to invest.
IBM
The global computer giant’s Vice President and Managing Director of Intellectual Property is Claudia Brind-Woody, a proud and influential member of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, she was named one of the most powerful LGBTQ+ people in tech.
Under Brind-Woody’s leadership, IBM has established mentoring for LGBT+ employees, including partnerships with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to promote LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. IBM sponsors more than 40 diversity network groups in 30 countries and encourages the production of LGBTQ+ friendly services and products.
Apple
Apple’s Tim Cook is by far the most prominent LGBTQ+ business leader. When Cook came out publicly in 2014, he was the first CEO of a major company to do so, bravely paving the way for increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in corporate culture and management.
The tech company has also made its supportive stance on gay marriage clear with a public statement in 2013, when the US Supreme Court ruled it legal, saying: “Apple strongly supports marriage equality, and we consider it a civil rights issue. We applaud the Supreme Court for its decisions today.”
Microsoft
Ana Arriola is a transgender business leader whose current position at Microsoft is Partner and General Manager overseeing the tech behemoth’s work in artificial intelligence and research. Since 2018, she has also been a product designer specialising in human-centric and ethical product design.
In addition to being a leader in workplace diversity, Microsoft has donated over $2 million this past year to organisations that support the LGBTQ+ community. They have also launched a special campaign for International Pride Month 2021.
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