Now more than ever, LGBTQ rights are being recognized throughout the world by bigger and bigger companies as people seek to tackle discrimination head on. Gaming is no exception to this as the community is beginning to see everything from LGBTQ Twitch streamers to video games stories themselves focusing on gay and lesbian characters. All of this means that modern culture is seeing a boon in inclusivity across the board, and campaigners are showcasing the good that's being done.
A 2021 report published recently by the Human Rights Campaign has named the best US-based companies for equality. Called the Corporate Equality Index, the report has shown that of the 767 companies indexed (a record number), there are some notable video game giants among them, showing that the industry is growing in terms of workplace equality. Such companies include EA, Microsoft, Sony, Activision, Apple, and Amazon, all of which have been recognized as businesses that are taking steps in terms of LGBTQ rights within the workplace. And all of this during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
Even retail stores, such as GameStop - which is currently in a bit of a Wall Street battle over stock prices - have made it on the list. Unfortunately, non-US businesses and much smaller companies are not included in the report. While the overall list isn't perfect, according to HRC, it highlights that good work is being done by large tech companies who are setting an example whereby employees from different backgrounds can earn a living "as their true selves."
The Human Rights Campaign has acknowledged that these tech behemoths have been moving forward for its LGBTQ employees by implementing policies and benefits which go towards ensuring greater equality for LGBTQ people within the video game industry. The report recognizes that these (and other) companies have seen that equality in a professional environment is not only the right thing to do, but is also "the best business decision" which grows their businesses and helps keep great talent from all walks of life.
The HRC is a civil rights group for the LGBTQ community and has existed for more than forty years. It has dedicated the past four decades to protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people, advocating for same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws. This latest report shows that in gaming, there are those who seek to offer a fair and discrimination-free environment and while there is still work to be done, companies such as those mentioned above are doing what they can to fight back against inequality.
Source: Corporate Equality Index 2021