Equality Magazine Fall 2012 by Human Rights Campaign

re-electing president obama

H U M A n

R I G H T S

electing tammy baldwin to the u.s. senate

advancing marriage in me, md, wa & mn

C A M P A I G n

fall 2012

Historic Wins

at the Ballot Box 

HRC’s largest mobilization

ever for LGBT equality

 PLUS  The New Normal: How Corporate America Became a Steadfast Partner in Equality And the Key Role of HRC’s Corporate Equality Index

5 auto insurance mistakes you can avoid today Because we’re active in the HRC community, we often get questions from members who want to avoid an unpleasant auto insurance experience. Here are five things that can help you: 1. If you’re not legally married, don’t assume your partner is automatically covered if he or she drives your car. And don’t wait until it’s too late to find out. 2. Don’t overpay for coverage — it’s easy to do. Ask about available discounts. Nationwide Insurance® offers many — including one just for HRC supporters. 3. If you’re a safe driver, get credit for it. Purchase our Vanishing Deductible option and take $100 off your deductible for every year of safe driving, up to $500.† Not every insurer sells this. 4. Consider your comfort level. Not everyone makes the LGBT community feel welcome. We’re a proud HRC Platinum National Partner — whose specially trained agents understand insurance for domestic partners. 5. Choose a company that makes claims easy and hassle-free. Four out of five policyholders who’ve had a claim would recommend us to their friends.*

4 Remember, insurance rules, like LGBT rights, vary by state. Nationwide Insurance knows how things work where you live. Call 1-866-330-5114 or visit nationwide.com/HRCdiscounts for a free, no-obligation quote including your HRC discount.

*Information based on a survey conducted nationally on Nationwide customers who filed a claim in 2009. Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Nationwide Lloyds and Nationwide Property & Casualty Companies (in TX). Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide policies are written by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company or a company directly or indirectly owned by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Not all Nationwide companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide policyholders are members of a mutual company. Policyholder rights and benefits are determined by policy language, underwriting company charter and bylaws, and applicable law. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide framemark, Vanishing Deductible and On Your Side® are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2012 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved. †Vanishing Deductible is an optional feature. Annual credits subject to eligibility requirements. Maximum credit: $500. Details and availability vary by state.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Equality Landslide Dear Friends,

More than a month after Election Day, our landslide victory for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality still seems almost too good to be true. Because of your personal support and advocacy, we conducted the largest mobilization effort in HRC history and won a huge and unequivocal victory for equality at the ballot box. Having seen defeat in previous efforts at the polls, just one marriage equality victory would have been historic. But with our deep partnerships with state campaigns and a massive grassroots effort, you helped win a clean sweep in all four states with marriage initiatives on the ballot — gaining equal rights for loving lesbian and gay couples in Maine, Maryland and Washington, and defeating a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in Minnesota. I am proud that HRC was the largest funder of the four state campaigns — devoting $8 million this election cycle to expand marriage rights, with more than $5 million directly to the four states — and that we were able to provide such an amazing return on your investment in equality. We also played a decisive role in reelecting President Obama, electing Tammy Baldwin as the first-ever openly gay U.S. senator and sending a record number of other lesbian, gay and bisexual leaders to Congress — and the list goes on.

EQUALITY

FALL 2012

When the history books are written, 2012 will be remembered as the year when discrimination crumbled at the ballot box. But while we made historic progress toward full equality for LGBT Americans this year, we’re not done yet. Committed same-sex couples are still barred from marrying in 41 states, and the federal government continues to deny recognition to legally married lesbian and gay couples. Meanwhile, countless young people across the country go to bed each night dreading what awaits them the next day at school or at church or in their own homes. And hard-working LGBT people in dozens of states still lack workplace protections. So instead of slowing down after our historic election triumph, HRC is doubling down on our work to change hearts and minds in favor of equality. One of HRC’s most effective tools for change is our Corporate Equality Index — featured in this edition of Equality — which ranks major corporations on their policies and practices that promote LGBT equality. The principle is simple: Just as your vote shaped history this year, your purchasing decisions influence corporate behavior. And corporations are paying attention. This year’s CEI lists 252 major companies with a 100% perfect score, a new record. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves and ramp up HRC’s fight for equality through the

CEI and our other successful initiatives to make life better for LGBT people and their families. And we’re counting on your ongoing help to succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued commitment to HRC’s work. Sincerely,

Chad Griffin President

P.S. To make the most of our powerful momentum and win more groundbreaking LGBT civil rights advances in 2013, HRC needs your continued investment in fairness right now. So I urge you to send a donation to HRC today or give online at www.hrc.org/fall. I also hope you will consider creating a lasting personal legacy for equality by including HRC or the HRC Foundation in your estate plans — email estateplanning@hrc.org to find out more. I promise you that we will continue to put your generous support to work for equality in the most effective way possible. Thank you!

Photo: Joel Page / AP

Wow. We did it. YOU did it.

HRC SENIOR STAFF Chad Griffin President Michael Cole-Schwartz Communications Director Ann Crowley Membership & Online Strategy Director Robert Falk General Counsel Andrea Green Finance Director John Greene Human Resources Director Allison Herwitt Legislative Director Anastasia Khoo Marketing Director

FALL 2012

INSI D E

Don Kiser Creative Director Brian Moulton Legal Director Cathy Nelson Vice President for Development & Membership Jim Rinefierd Vice President for Finance & Operations Marty Rouse National Field Director

FEATURES

Fred Sainz Vice President of Communications & Marketing Susanne Salkind Managing Director

8 Equality Landslide The 2012 Elections: A Historic, Collaborative Mobilization

David M. Smith Vice President of Programs Christopher Speron Development Director Cuc Vu Chief Diversity Officer HRC EQUALITY STAFF Janice Hughes Publications Director Robert Villaflor Design Director Sarah Streyle Senior Graphic Design Specialist

Shea Singley Editorial Intern

25 The Growing Marketplace for Equality The Power of the LGBT Dollar

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Sam M. Anderson, Liz Cooper, Tiffany Dean, Deena Fidas, Limor Finkel, Lesley Frohling, Justin Gianquinto, Anastasia Khoo, Don Kiser, Mollie Levin, Jason Lott, Adam Marquez, Mike Mings, Rohmteen Mokhta, Hannah Poole, Dan Rafter, Fred Sainz, Ben Shallenberger, Carolyn Simon, Jessie Sheffield, Bob Witeck Equality is a publication of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Equality (ISSN 1092-5791) is published quarterly by HRC, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: Free to members. Printed in the USA. The Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation names and Equality logos are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation.

The New Normal How Corporate America Became a Steadfast Partner in Equality; A Banner Year for Corporate Equality

IN EVERY ISSUE

5 31

Up Front Gala Events National Corporate Sponsors Foundation Partners

To join HRC, call 800-727-4723, visit www.hrc.org or TTY at 202-216-1572.

Photos: (top to bottom) Carlo Allegri / AP, Brian DalBalcon

Are you an HRC member? Have a question? HRC’s Member Services Team, led by Dana Campbell, works every day to provide HRC’s more than 1 million members and supporters with the best membership experience possible. To contact Member Services, email membership@hrc.org or call 800-727-4723.

All advertisers in Equality magazine are Human Rights Campaign National Corporate Partners. Because of HRC’s commitment to improving the lives of LGBT Americans in the workplace, all of our National Corporate Partners must demonstrate their own dedication by achieving a score of 85 percent or greater on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Companies such as these have advanced the cause of LGBT equality in the workplace. For specific scores, criteria and more information on the Corporate Equality Index, please visit www.hrc.org/CEI.

In Good Company? Starbucks 90 vs. Caribou Coffee 15* Nike 100 vs. Adidas 15* General Mills 100 vs. J.M. Smucker 0* Nordstrom 100 vs. Neiman Marcus 15* The higher the score, the stronger the ally. See pp. 18 -27 for more on HRC’s scoring of companies, policies and practices. Also check out HRC’s new Buying for Workplace Equality 2013 at www.hrc.org/BuyersGuide. * Estimated score

Speaking your mind is important.

Improving your mind,

crucial.

Stand up. Come out. Speak out. Strengthen your mind. With your conviction and our technology, you can do anything. Microsoft applauds the work of the Human Rights Campaign to achieve fairness and equality for all.

www.microsoft.com/citizenship

Board of Directors Lacey All WA, Kevin Bass CA, Bruce Bastian UT, Terry Bean OR, Vanessa Benavides TX, Les Bendtsen MN, Michael Berman DC, Paul Boskind TX, Wally Brewster IL, Chris Carolan NY, Bill Donius MO, Tim Downing OH, Anne Fay TX, Chris Flynn MA, Jody Gates LA, Kirk Hamill DC, LeeAnn Jones GA, Tom Knabel MN, Chris Labonte PA, Joan Lau PA, Joni Madison NC, Joshua Miller NV, Patrick Miller LA, Michael Palmer VA, Dana Perlman CA, Cathi Scalise TX, Linda Scaparotti CA, Meghan Stabler TX, Alan Uphold CA, Frank Woo CA, Lisa Zellner OH

Photos: (Top, L-R)

Photo: Judy G. Rolfe for HRC

Foundation Board Lacey All WA, Gwen Baba CA, John Barry IL, Kevin Bass CA, Bruce Bastian UT, Terry Bean OR, Vanessa Benavides TX, Les Bendtsen MN, Deiadra Burns TX, Todd Canon TX, W. Lee Carter III NC, Edie Cofrin GA, Jane Daroff OH, Fiona Dawson NY, Lawrie Demorest GA, Bill Donius MO, Anne Fay TX, Chris Flynn MA, Charlie Frew GA, Sandra Hartness CA, Sheila Kloefkorn AZ, Britt Kornmann TX, Joan Lau PA, Andy Linsky CA, Joshua Miller NV, Patrick Miller LA, Michael Palmer VA, John Ruffier FL, Cathi Scalise TX, Judy Shepard WY, Faye Wilson Tate CO, Frank Woo CA Board of Governors Robert Abernathy IL, Steve Amend NV, Carl Andrews TX, Andrew Arnold CA, Karen Aronoff-Holtmeier OH, Matthew Bacon MA, Jennifer Bajorek TX, Phillip Baker AZ, Vanessa Benavides TX, Charles Beraud NV, Jay Biles NC, Scott Bishop NC, Eric Blomquist NY, Doris Bobadilla LA, Ronna Bolante PA, Chris Boone WA, Brian Bourquin MA, Dawn Brown IL, Linda Brown OR, Suzanne Butler TX, Brian Buzby TX, Rory Cahn OH, Nancy Caldwell TX, Frank Caliguri OH, Torey Carrick CA, Steven Cayton GA, Jeffrey Caywood OH, Dawn Christensen NV, Jeffrey Coop WA, Angie Cottrell MO, Thomas Cowley CA, Dani Daley CA, Jamie Depelteau CA, Brad DiFiore GA, Candace DiGirolamo OH, Robert Dogens NC, Michael Dunning MO, Patty Ellis NY, Tamra English TX, Alexandra Ernst VA, Michael Fifield UT, Steve Fisher CA, Brian Flanagan NJ, Donna Flynn TX, Patrick Gamble AZ, Matt Garrett GA, Cherie Green NC, Melinda Greene GA, Deb Guidry LA, Ron Guisinger OH, Jonathan Gundersen PA, Suzanne Hamilton OH, Randall Hance TX, Jim Harrison TX, Jason Held IL, S. Kelly Herrick CA, Gary Hilbert NJ, Latoya Holman NV, Ted Holmquist CA, Miranda Hooker MA, Tim Jenkins IL, Deanne Jockish MO, Dean Keppler WA, Kathrin Kersten TX, John Kim WA, Kyle Klatt IL, Kevin Knoblock MA, David Lahti CA, Jason Lambert FL, Jason Laney DC, Brian Larios MO, Chris Lehtonen CA, Ryan Levy TX, Michael Dell Long OR, Raymond Manci CA, Jeff Marsocci NC, M. Mason OH, Bob Mason CA, Dan Mauney NC, Lori Megown NY, Beth Mejia MN, Andrew Melissinos CA, Patrick Miller LA, James Minor CA, Missy Morgan NV, Kevin Moser WA, DyShaun Muhammad MN, Derek Osterman MA, Bryan Parsons CA, Ed Patterson GA, Lester Perryman LA, Arouna Phommasouvanh MN, Steven Pospilsil MN, Hank Provost CO, Robb Puckett TX, Ron Quinn NV, Catherine Reid CA, Michael Reiser MO, Chad Reumann TX, John Rivers NY, Mario Rodas MA, Andy Rubinson MA, Jonathan Russell GA, Carmen Salgado CA, Cathy Sarky OH, Thearon Scurlock FL, Jon Shaffer OH, Mark Shura MA, Molly Simmons GA, JR Simon TN, Corey Smith MN, Ashley Smith DC, Michael Smithson OH, LaRence Snowden TX, David Steiman CA, Skye Stoulig LA, Deborah Taft MA, Mayan Tahan AZ, Dan Tanner FL, Timothy Thomas TX, Paul Thompson CA, Tiffany Tosh TX, Lauren Verrusio NY, Benjamin Waldman WA, Willis Ward NC, Melissa Warren LA, Julie Watson MN, Daniel Weaver DC, Claudine Wessel AZ, Ed Westreicher GA, Amy White WA, Andrew Winters KY, Sharon Wong MD, Julie Wood GA CURRENT AS OF 11 /30/2012

UP FRONT There are so many children who struggle to understand and embrace their sexuality in families who do not welcome them, with parents that somehow find it acceptable to shut them out of their hearts and their homes. … And that, I find unacceptable.” — Sally Field Field received the Ally for Equality award at HRC’s National Dinner in Washington, D.C. The actor’s son, Samuel Greisman, who is openly gay, also spoke.

The new Congress is getting down to business. Are your elected officials going to move this country forward or hold us back?

7 Countries, 25 Film Festivals Audiences at film festivals across the country and abroad are giving two thumbs up to HRC’s groundbreaking film, “What Do You Know? 6- to 12-Year Olds Talk about Gays and Lesbians.” The film won the New England Film Festival Audience Choice Award for best documentary, the Black Maria Film Festival Director’s Choice and an award from the International Festival for Peace, Inspiration and Equality in Jakarta, Indonesia. The 13-minute piece, produced by HRC’s Welcoming Schools program, is also being shown at professional development forums and local events. Order a copy at www.welcomingschools.org/what-doyou-know-the-film/ and educate your community. Meanwhile, keep your eye out for a broad campaign about the film this spring.

Find out where your members of Congress stand by checking out HRC’s Scorecard for the 112th Congress. Progress is being made — but there is work ahead. HRC’s political team continues its important efforts in educating members, reaching new allies and building support for our critical bills. HRC scores both House and Senate members on their votes and co-sponsorships related to a range of bills, including an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Respect for Marriage Act (which would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act). A number of members have scored zero on every HRC scorecard since the 108th Congress, including Reps. Mike Rogers of Alabama and Joe Wilson of South Carolina, and Sens. David Vitter of Louisiana, James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Mike Crapo of Idaho. New this year: HRC notes whether or not each member of Congress has taken a position in favor of marriage equality. See www.hrc.org/scorecard.

WWW.HRC.ORG

FALL 2012

Diversity. Pride. Equality.

It’s an honor to stand with you. At Bank of America, we understand that diversity and inclusion are good for business. We embrace the power of our people, understanding that our differences — in thought, style, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation and experience — make us stronger as a company. We applaud the Human Rights Campaign for your advancements in diversity and inclusion. We are proud to say that for the sixth year in a row, the bank has scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for its support of LGBT individuals and their families. As a global company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion makes opportunity possible for our employees, our customers, and our communities around the world. www.bankofamerica.com/diversity

AR82T2Z4

Photo: HRC

48 hours

n the final push before Election Day, HRC members and supporters joined Brad Pitt in raising $200,000 in 48 hours for the four states where HRC and its allies fought for marriage equality — Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington. A week before the country went to the polls, Pitt announced that he would match each dollar raised by HRC members and supporters, to $100,000. “It’s unbelievable to me that people’s lives and relationships are literally being voted on,” said the actor. “But that’s the system we have and I’m not

going to back down from the fight for loving and committed couples to have the ability to marry.” The partnership between Pitt and HRC drew considerable press coverage at the national and state levels, including pieces by CNN, The Washington Post, Us Weekly, USA Today, The Associated Press, The Baltimore Sun, The Bangor Daily News, Seattle Times and The Wisconsin Gazette. It also ran on online local news sites, and drew lots of attention on Twitter and Facebook. “A longtime proponent of marriage equality, Brad Pitt has put his money where his mouth is,” noted People magazine. “Brad Pitt has always been a strong advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, but his latest move might be the most profound yet,” The Huffington Post said. HRC announced the effort in an email to its members and supporters. “Getting an email from Brad is something that gets people’s attention at a time when everyone’s inbox is incredibly crowded,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. HRCers answered Pitt’s call; he donated $25,000 to each of the four main ballot states to help win critical ballots for equality. Pitt gave $100,000 to efforts to defeat California’s Proposition 8 in 2008.

Photo: Bill Clark / Roll Call CQ

“Gay kids can carry around an internal bully that makes them feel miserable whether or not someone is picking on them personally.” From Oddly Normal: One Family’s Struggle to Help Their Teenage Son Come to Terms with His Sexuality, a New York Times-acclaimed book by journalist John Schwartz, who chronicles the ups and downs of his family’s journey, including the agony of wondering what he and his wife could have done differently to prevent their son’s suicide attempt. See HRC’s blog about the book at www.hrc.org/blog.

Cities a closer look In another groundbreaking initiative, HRC has launched its first-ever Municipal Equality Index. It is the first nationwide evaluation of the way municipal laws and policies affect the LGBT people who live and work in cities across the country. In the same way the Corporate Equality Index turns a constructively critical eye on workplaces, the MEI rates municipalities on law and incentivizes pro-equality policies. The new index rates 137 municipalities of varying sizes from every state, including the 50 state capitals and the country’s 50 largest cities as identified by the 2010 U.S. Census. It also rates 25 large cities, 25 mid-size cities and 25 small cities with large proportions of same-sex couples. A city is rated on a number of criteria, including whether it has an inclusive non-discrimination ordinance or local relationship recognition, how it treats its LGBT employees, how inclusive city services are of the needs of LGBT people and how city leadership has engaged with matters of LGBT equality. For more, visit hrc.org/mei.

The U.S. Senate is becoming more equality friendly, now that several staunch allies of the LGBT community won their races this fall. Mazie Hirono is one of those longtime supporters. She is Hawaii’s first woman senator as well as the first Asian-born immigrant to be elected to the chamber. “Mazie Hirono has always been an advocate for equality, including equal marriage rights, and we can’t wait to work with her in the coming term,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. Joining Hirono in the Senate are: Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. (See pp. 8 -15 for more.)

WWW.HRC.ORG

fall 2012

here was so much on the line in the 2012 elections, and the Human Rights Campaign had a seemingly daunting list of priorities. So for two years, HRC laid the groundwork for its largest-ever mobilization effort to ensure 2012 is a turning point for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. And when the final votes were counted, it was a landslide victory for LGBT equality across this country. (continued on p. 10)

Equality L 8

EQUALITY

fall 2012

Landslide Photo: Genevieve Ross for HRC

By Carolyn Simon

WWW.HRC.ORG

fall 2012

day after the election, The Washington Post reported on our historic victory — from fighting for marriage equality to re-electing President Barack Obama and sending more openly LGBT lawmakers and allies to Congress. The Post highlighted HRC’s lead role in funding equality efforts as the nation’s largest LGBT rights organization. HRC members and supporters stepped up in a big way, opening their hearts to

advance equality. They mobilized around key campaigns by organizing fundraisers in their homes and in banquet halls, canvassing door-to-door in rural communities and in large cities, and dialing for equality at thousands of phone banks. Staff and volunteers fanned out around the country, heading to two dozen states for pivotal on-the-ground work in the weeks before the election. Working with coalitions in Maryland, Maine, Washington and Minnesota, HRC’s crew had thousands of conversations about

$20,000,000 $10 MILLION Raised FOR the PResident’s re-election efforts by HRC’s Board of Directors

Raised and contributed to expand equality

30,000,000

IMPRESSIONS

he country’s leading anti-gay group is seeing a plunge in its fundraising, thanks to the growing momentum for LGBT equality. The National Organization for Marriage saw a steep decline in the amount of money it raised in 2011 — dropping to $6.2 million from the $9.1 million it raised the previous year, according to financial documents NOM released in response to requests from the Human

EQUALITY

fall 2012

22,000,000

ELECTION-RELATED EMAILS

Rights Campaign. Just two NOM donors were responsible for funding 75 percent of the anti-gay group; it reported two donations of approximately $2.4 million each. “NOM continues to push the notion that there is some sort of grassroots support for their discriminatory antigay agenda,” said Fred Sainz, HRC’s vice president of communications. “On Election Day, that notion was soundly rejected by voters in four states. NOM is

love, commitment and marriage. These conversations took place on doorsteps, in diners, at town halls, in houses of worship, on college campuses and over the phone. High-profile celebrities like Brad Pitt, Mo’Nique, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family,” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, acclaimed director Lana Wachowski and the Grammy- and Emmyaward winning Cyndi Lauper partnered with HRC to lend their voices to the cause. HRC continued its multi-year work to track and expose the efforts of the National

Raised AND COnTRIBUTED OVER

$500K TO ELECT TAMMY BALDWIN TO the U.S. Senate

$1.4 MILLION Raised FOR HRC-ENDORSED CANDIDATES

nothing more than a conduit channeling the anti-gay agenda of a few secretive, wealthy donors.” NOM spent upwards of $5.7 million to try to prevent marriage equality in Maine, Maryland and Washington, and to write discrimination in Minnesota’s constitution and politicize Iowa’s judicial system. Until 2011, NOM has seen significant financial growth since its founding in 2007, when it was formed to demonize LGBT people in California as part of efforts to pass Proposition 8. See HRC’s NOM Exposed project at www.nomexposed.org for more.

Organization for Marriage and leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. These groups tried to force their agenda and convince voters that equality and faith are conflicting values. But their false rhetoric was drowned out by pro-equality people from a myriad of religious traditions who spread the word that they support marriage equality because of their faith — not in spite of it. NOM, the largest funder of discrimination in the four ballot measure states, tried to create an artificial wedge between the LGBT community and the Latino and African-

American communities. But this strategy failed as well, as polls showed that a majority of both African-Americans and Latinos support marriage equality. Meanwhile, HRC worked with the state marriage coalitions to garner support from big businesses like Amazon, REI, Nordstrom, eBay, Alcoa and Starbucks, and from small business owners of hardware stores, law firms, bakeries and pet shops. Hundreds of labor groups, community partners and more also signed on. Members and supporters also

MAINE

Photos: Genevieve Ross for HRC, Larry Stafford for HRC, Joel Page / AP, Brian DalBalcon

MARYLAND •

Contributed nearly $2.8 million to marriage equality efforts. That includes more than $850,000 spent on the campaign to pass the historic marriage legislation in early 2012, and another $1.9 million on the ballot campaign.

•

Provided critical online and communications support, including the production and release of campaign videos featuring Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

•

Sent nearly 475,000 emails to HRC members and supporters.

•

Recruited hundreds of volunteers for efforts statewide.

•

Provided key campaign leadership, including a communications director, political director, and religious organizers; as well as significant field organizing resources and legal support.

MINNESOTA •

Contributed more than $1.1 million to prevent discrimination against same-sex couples from being written into the state constitution.

•

Sent more than 480,000 emails to HRC members and supporters.

•

Recruited 1,100 volunteers for efforts in the state, including phone banking, town halls and canvassing.

opened their wallets, helping to raise and contribute more than $20 million for HRC to expand equality all across the country — $8 million of which was invested in marriage battles. HRC also undertook an aggressive online campaign to advance our priorities, from sending more than 20 million electionrelated emails to launching an interactive and informative online Election Center where users could learn how to take action for equality. continued on p. 15

•

Contributed more than $840,000 to advance marriage equality.

•

Sent nearly 85,000 emails to HRC members and supporters.

•

Recruited several hundred volunteers and sent nearly half a dozen HRC staff to the state, including critical field and faith-based organizing support for the duration of the campaign.

WASHINGTON •

Contributed more than $1.4 million to marriage equality efforts. That included nearly $138,000 spent on the campaign to pass the historic marriage equality legislation in early 2012, and another $1.3 million on the ballot campaign. •

Played a central role in providing key campaign leadership including the chair of the campaign via HRC’s local steering committee.

•

Provided key HRC staff for the ballot campaign, including a deputy campaign manager, field director, three regional field directors and five field organizers.

•

Provided the campaign’s communications, faith, and communities of color directors.

•

Helped recruit companies to publicly support the marriage campaign.

•

Sent more than 600,000 emails to HRC members and supporters.

•

Signed-up nearly 1,000 volunteers.

WWW.HRC.ORG

fall 2012

Even when you’re out of town, you’re never out of touch. With in-flight Wi-Fi on American, you can access everything you need to work, play or just say hello from 30,000 feet.

Gogo® Inflight Internet is available on the entire Boeing 767-200 fleet and select MD-80 and 737 aircraft for flights over the continental U.S. Visit AA.com/wifi for more details. Gogo is a trademark of Aircell LLC. AmericanAirlines, AA.com and AA.com/rainbow are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. © 2011 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm located in the US.

Ernst & Young refers to a global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of

Better together? Absolutely! Our differences are what energize our culture at Ernst & Young. That’s why it’s important to us to support our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies — creating an environment where all of us can bring our whole selves to work. Because achieving our potential as a firm begins with helping our people realize their potential as individuals. It makes all the difference to our success.

What’s next? ey.com

Leading the way For nearly two decades, Deloitte has been leading from the front with diversity and inclusion. The result? A cultural revolution that has had an impact not only on the people of Deloitte, but also beyond our four walls. It is a source of opportunity, enrichment, and new thinking, and is central to our lasting success. To see how the revolution continues, visit www.deloitte.com/us/diversity

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Copyright © 2012 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

October 12, 2012

October 12,

2012

r $1 Million HRC Donates HRC Directs Anothe easures Marriage C To States’ Gay M t ampaigns to Marriage Ballo

October 12, 2012

s Campaign give Human Rights same-sex marriage $225K more to

When the history books are written, 2012 will be remembered as the year when LGBT Americans won decisively at the ballot box,” said HRC’s Griffin. Landslide con't from p.11 The end result? Marriage equality victories in Maine, Maryland and Washington. The defeat of a marriage ban in Minnesota. The re-election of Barack Obama, the most proequality president in U.S. history. The election of more LGBT lawmakers and allies. The victories are almost too many to count. completely changing the course of history For years, our opponents have said that marriage equality would never win at the ballot box. “Let the people vote,” they declared. It is not difficult to see why they were so confident — in 32 consecutive races in recent years, voters passed state marriage equality bans. But that all ended on Election Day, when voters in four states sent a clear message that public opinion had shifted in favor of equality. And remember all of those pundits who said that President Obama’s support for mar-

15+85+D 15.8

riage equality would hurt his re-election campaign? They couldn’t have been more wrong. The Obama administration has done so much for the LGBT community — securing hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples, ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in our military and halting defense of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. HRC looks forward to working further with the administration over the next four years. Further, Tammy Baldwin will become the first openly gay person to serve in the U.S. Senate. For years, Baldwin has been the strongest voice for equality on Capitol Hill, and has championed every piece of LGBT legislation that has been introduced during her tenure in office. With the election of Mark Pocan, David Cicilline, Mark Takano, Kyrsten Sinema and others, there are now dozens of LGBT lawmakers and allies in Congress. HRC’s members and supporters truly drove all of these victories — it is what allowed the organization to harness the power

and reach of our political action committees, staff, board members, steering committees and volunteers across the country to make this unprecedented mobilization a reality. “When the history books are written, 2012 will be remembered as the year when LGBT Americans won decisively at the ballot box,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The dreams of millions of fair-minded Americans were realized as discrimination crumbled and equality prevailed.” The work is not done. Most states still ban marriage equality and allow workplace discrimination. The federal government still does not recognize any same-sex couple’s marriage. But it is clear that a corner has been turned. And if there was ever any doubt that equality would win in the end, those doubts can now be put to rest. Simon is HRC’s senior online operations manager.

OF ALL AMERICANS NOW LIVE IN A STATE WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY.

WWW.HRC.ORG

fall 2012

Proud to support Human Rights Campaign TD Bank welcomes diversity in our workplace, within our communities and with all our Customers.

The New

How Corporate America a Steadfast 688

Of the Nation’s Largest Businesses Demonstrated Their Commitment to LGBT Equality and Inclusion

89% 83% 80% Offer Domestic Partner Health Care Benefits

Have an LGBT Employee Resource Group or Diversity Council

Demonstrate a Public Commitment to the LGBT Community

By Deena Fidas and Liz Cooper

his year marks the 11th year of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. And what a year it has been!

However, this wave of corporate support did not happen overnight. In fact, it is a direct result of the steadfast work of HRC, with the Corporate Equality Index being the premiere benchmarking report on corporate America’s adoption of LGBT-inclusive policies, benefits and practices. But this journey has not been without challenges. 18

EQUALITY

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As appeals to the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act make their way through the courts, dozens of the nation’s major businesses are filing amicus briefs in favor of marriage equality. Furthermore, our corporate champions voiced their support for marriage equality in every state that had the issue on the ballot this election cycle.

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merica Became fast Partner in Equality When HRC launched the CEI in 2002, it was legal in 37 states to discriminate in the workplace based on sexual orientation. And it was legal in 44 states to do so based on gender identity. Despite public support for inclusive workplace protections for LGBT employees, congressional and state lawmakers failed to enact such legislation. It was at this crucial juncture that HRC recognized a significant opportunity to lead change and engage with the private sector on issues of workplace equality — transforming the landscape one business at a time. The results were groundbreaking and continue to surpass expectations and break records.

In the first year of the CEI, a decade ago, only 13 businesses achieved a top score of 100 percent. This year — under the most rigorous scorecard ever — a record 252 businesses achieved the top rating of 100 percent, earning the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” These businesses span nearly every industry and every region of the country. The policies, benefits and practices that businesses must implement to earn a perfect score are best-in-class demonstrations of corporate commitments to LGBT workers and the broader community. Today, the landscape is better. But it remains legal in 29 states to discriminate in

the workplace based on sexual orientation and in 34 based on gender identity. However, the trail that HRC blazed together with corporate partners has shone across boardrooms and on factory floors countrywide and beyond, demonstrating that where successful business is being done, LGBT equality has become the norm. In addition to the depth of investment that top-rated businesses have made in the name of equality, the 2013 CEI shows an extraordinary breadth of new businesses. This year’s CEI contains a record 54 new businesses that opted into the survey. continued on p. 21

Sexual Orientation Protections

Gender Identity Protections

Businesses That Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

Businesses That Prohibit Discrimination Based on Gender Identity

2002 (319 participants)

2013 (688 participants)

of CEI-rated employers provide employment protections on the basis of sexual orientation.

2013 (688 participants)

of CEI-rated employers provide employment protections on the basis of gender identity or expression — the highest figure to date.

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“Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has long supported the LGBT community, but it wasn’t until we participated in the CEI that our commitment to equality was verified by a respected third-party organization, affirming our pledge to maintain a respectful workplace for our associates and providing peace of mind to our customers. This engagement also helped us to identify issues and best practices that we can apply to our overall inclusion and diversity efforts.” — Linda Lewis, EVP and Chief Talent Officer, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

CEI con't from p. 19 Last spring, we asked HRC’s members to write to two popular companies — The Container Store and H&M — to encourage them to participate in the CEI. And the newcomers continue to work toward the coveted 100-percent designation. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do and it’s good for business. What makes a benchmarking report such a change agent? The transparency

of Fortune 500 and other big businesses’ scores on display every year — for competitors, shareholders, consumers and employees to see — has spurred a race to the top across the business world. Furthermore, market norms of inclusion have fundamentally shifted as evidenced by a historic first within the Fortune 500 — this year marks the first time that a majority include both sexual orientation and gender identity protections. In terms of the full CEI

participant pool, 99 percent afford protections based on sexual orientation and 84 percent on gender identity. Beyond these basic and essential protections, record numbers of Fortune-ranked and other major businesses have comprehensively updated their benefits packages to ensure that newcomers to their workplaces can expect both partner benefits and transgender-inclusive benefits and that retiring continued on p. 23

The number of major employers offering transgender-inclusive health care coverage

CEI-Rated Employers with an LGBT Employee Resource Group or Diversity Council

2009

2002

2013

49 287 40 83

Percentage of CEI participants with Transgender-Inclusive Health Care Benefits

Percentage of CEI participants with Domestic Partner Health Care Benefits

2002

2013

2002

2013

(319 participants)

(688 participants)

(319 participants)

(688 participants)

69 89 %

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Leveraging the strengths of everyone. time and time again, we’ve seen how the collective wisdom of people from different backgrounds and sexual orientations leads to better results— for clients, communities, and our own company. That’s one reason we are committed to developing products and services that meet our customers’ unique needs and hiring from the most extensive talent pool possible. Different perspectives and experiences bring strength and creativity to our work and lead us to develop the best solutions for our clients. JPMorgan Chase is proud to be an HRC National Corporate Sponsor. jpmorganchase.com

CEI con't from p. 21 LGBT workers will see the financial benefits they have worked so hard to accrue will go to their surviving family members. Aside from actual wages paid, benefits account on average for roughly 20 percent of employees’ overall compensation. For many employers, affording equal benefits is part of an issue of equal pay for equal work. And for LGBT families, when big businesses update their benefits, that means greater peace of mind around health and well-being. A Step Further: Businesses Offset Unfair Taxation of Partner Benefits Grossing has steadily become a new best practice among employers to further demonstrate their commitment to LGBT workplace equality. Just a few years ago, HRC was aware of only a handful of employers “grossing up” — a benefit offered to employees that are taxed on the fair market value of their domestic partner’s healthcare benefits. Since federal

fortune 500 Businesses That Went On Record for State Marriage Laws*

law treats the domestic partner benefits as taxable, while opposite-sex spousal benefits are tax-exempt, LGBT employees are hit with a greater financial cost for the same coverage. Employers have creatively solved this problem in an attempt to gross up employees’ wages, either in one lump sum or over the course of the year. The Workplace Project is eager to learn more about the decision-making process that goes into grossing up — from conception to implementation — as we hope to soon provide additional resources to guide employers through this emerging best practice. The outlook is good, says HRC President Chad Griffin. “Even as laws prevent all employees from enjoying full equality in the workplace, we can’t help but be encouraged by this tide change as more and more employers are carving out their own resolutions to achieve LGBT equality.”

State Level Marriage Endorsements, 2011-2012 (Maine, Maryland, New York and Washington) A|X Armani Exchange Alcoa Inc. (123) Amazon.com Inc. (78) eBay Inc. (269) EMC Corp. (152) Expedia Inc. (617) Google Inc. (92) Group Health Cooperative Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (101) McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. (372) Microsoft Corp. (38) Nike Inc. (135) Nixon Peabody LLP Nordstrom Inc. (254) The Ogilvy Group Inc. Recreational Equipment Inc. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Starbucks Corp. (229) T-Mobile USA Inc. Vulcan Inc. Xerox Corp. (121)

Fidas is deputy director of HRC’s Workplace Project. Cooper is manager of the Project’s Corporate Programs.

Percentage of Total Number of CEI Participants with a Demonstrated Public Commitment to the LGBT Community

Businesses that Opposed State Level Proposed Marriage Bans/ Constitutional Amendments, 2012 (Minnesota and North Carolina) General Mills Inc. (166) Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Replacements, Ltd. St. Jude Medical Inc. (436) * Number in parentheses indicate Fortune 1000 ranking.

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Being Smart & Savvy When You Buy

The Growing Marketplace for Equality By Bob Witeck

All Americans treasure our democratic right to vote and to be able to make choices freely. As consumers and shareholders in the marketplace, we exercise these choices every day. Some say that we “vote with our wallets,” which will be truer than ever this year with the publication of the 2013 HRC Buying for Workplace Equality. A Glass of Orange Juice? The Buyer’s Guide’s roots run deep. The birth of gay consumerism across America is thought to have occurred in Florida 35 years ago when entertainer, political activist and then-spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission Anita Bryant launched her homophobic crusade to overturn Dade County’s non-discrimination protections in employment and housing. Regrettably, Bryant and her allies won that political battle in 1977, defeating these basic civil rights protections at the ballot box.

But Bryant unwittingly awakened an increasingly fortified LGBT activism by spurring emerging leaders like Harvey Milk and others. Activists had two main goals: to end Bryant’s career and to boycott the Florida orange industry. Gay-owned bars and restaurants, as well as local activists and leaders, appeared in print and on the airwaves pouring orange juice down the drain. Even the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists voted to deny their services and talents to Bryant, and the Florida Citrus Commission ultimately decided she was too inflammatory to serve as its spokeswoman. While there is little evidence that the boycott significantly harmed orange juice sales, the industry doubtlessly felt vulnerable to the consumer anger and negative publicity that surrounded their product. $790 Billion in Buying Power Shifts in recent history show that boycotts have primarily been threatened against com-

panies and business leaders that expressed their LGBT-friendliness. Because of this, many companies feared the risks and controversies that appeared to inflame consumer sentiment, wary to be seen as “taking sides” in a culture war. But what began as risks have been transformed into lasting rewards. As experience shows, forward-thinking companies did not shrink from their progressive policies or from making their workplaces fairer, more inclusive and far more equal. When private organizations like The Village Voice in 1982 and Lotus (later purchased by IBM) in 1992 made the pioneering decision to treat same-sex relationships equally with married heterosexual couples for health and workplace benefits, the sky did not fall. More importantly, the media and public took notice. Human resources experts recognized that fair treatment and equal benefits are key to recruiting and retaining a well-qualified, highly motivated and LGBT-inclusive workforce. And so it is not surprising that HRC’s continued on p. 27

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GOOD

GAY

SHOP HRC AND BUY INTO YOUR FUTURE. Click shop.hrc.org Call 888-932-7472 Shop Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, CA; Provincetown, MA

GIFTS 100% OF YOUR PURCHASE GOES TO HRC’S FIGHT FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUALITY.

5 Tips on Using the 2013 Buyer’s Guide Looking for some of your favorite products? The guide helps identify many familiar or favorite brands and products along with the company that makes them.

Buyer’s Guide con't from p. 25 2013 Corporate Equality Index reveals that a majority of Fortune 500 companies today protect their employees on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, with a growing number of employers nationwide mirroring these best practices. Where business, practice and trends lead, market opportunity and openings follow. Companies recognized, as research shows, that many consumers prefer products and services from corporations that mirror their own values. This year, we conservatively project that LGBT Americans are accountable for as much as $790 billion of the nation’s total buying power — which represents the dollars they spend, after taxes, for all of their needs, as well as those of their families and households. There is no evidence that LGBT people are more affluent or advantaged than others. To the contrary, there remain significant inequities and invidious forms of discrimination in how we are treated as taxpayers, citizens and employees. In a remarkable tide this year, we also witnessed more visionary business leaders like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, who generously and openly supported marriage equality and other LGBT rights issues put before voters. Starbucks, Amazon, Nike, Google,

Knowledge at your fingertips. Naturally, you have questions when you are at the mall or thinking of a major purchase. Download the 2013 Buying for Workplace Equality app on your iPhone or Android smartphone, or for your tablet. Don’t leave home without it.

General Mills and other companies are aligning their futures with ours, and taking public positions at the federal and state levels in support of pro-equality legislation and ballot measures. This year, a record 28 Fortune 500 companies did so, garnering LGBT and LGBTfriendly consumers in the process.

Share with family and friends. Our allies and those closest to us share our values and believe in equality too. Tell them about the guide. Remind them that when they prefer some companies over others, it sends a signal that we endorse the companies’ values in addition to their products or services.

Leaders or Laggards? In recent decades, America’s LGBT citizens have made great strides toward equality everywhere. Nowhere is this more true than in our workplaces and on our jobs. While antigay forces still instigate or advocate shortlived corporate boycotts and declare public shame, more often, we find that our business allies have stiffened their backs and their purpose by staying true to our shared values. That is where the Buyer’s Guide enters. The guide is a trusted, practical tool. Based on investigations made possible by the Corporate Equality Index, it answers the questions many of us ask about a company’s policies and practices — and tells us which companies are leaders and laggards when it comes to LGBT equality and fairness.

Tell companies why you shop. When making a purchase, talk with a sales associate or manager, or if you are communicating online, explain that the guide educates consumers about the brands that make a difference, and why we purchase one product over another. Update friends and others on Facebook and social networks. We know that LGBT people didn’t literally invent the Internet, but we surely have a sturdy connection with many friends on our social networks. Word of mouth matters, and makes it possible to educate others about policies and practices that are important to us and treat us fairly.

Bob Witeck, a pioneer in LGBT communications and market research, is president of Witeck Communications, Inc. He is also a Federal Club member.

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Celebrate

DIVERSITY

Please take a stand (and a seat) to join our mission to make the world a more comfortable place: for everyone.

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SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS Platinum American Airlines

HRC’s Gala Events

Citi Diageo / BV / Ketel One Microsoft Nationwide/VPI Pet Insurance

Gold Bank of America The Coca-Cola Company Deloitte Ernst & Young Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Lexus Prudential

Silver BP Chevron Cox Enterprises Google MGM Resorts International Nike

Bronze Booz Allen Hamilton Caesars Entertainment Dell Goldman Sachs IBM JPMorgan Chase & Co. Macy’s Inc. Marriott MetLife Morgan Stanley Orbitz PwC Replacements Ltd.

New York Gala, Feb. 2 • Waldorf Astoria • Jo Doyle & John Rivers • hrcgreaterny.org Austin Gala, Feb. 9 • Four Seasons Hotel • Kathrin Kersten & Heather Beckel • www.hrcaustin.org Philadelphia Gala, Feb. 16 • Loews Philadelphia • Holli Perrin & Tim Adams • philadelphia.hrc.org

Greater Cincinnati Gala, Feb. 23 • Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza • Cathy Sarky & Mark Wilson • cincinnati.hrc.org

Nashville Gala, March 9 • Renaissance Nashville • Joey Forman, Ginny MarkhamJones & Ian May • www.equalitydinner.com Los Angeles Gala, March 23 • JW Marriott / LA Live • Gwen Baba & Ted Holmquist • www.hrcladinner.com

North Carolina Gala, Feb. 23 • Charlotte Convention Center • Jason McGraw, Zuni Johnson, Ann Hooper & Connie Vetter • www.hrccarolinas.org Arizona Gala, March 9 • Sheraton Phoenix Downtown • Eliana Morrison & Nate Rhoton • www.hrcazdinner.org

To buy tickets for HRC Gala Events, please contact Box Office Tickets, 800-494-8497, or www.hrc.org/boxoffice.

Legacy?

WHAT’S YOUR

The HRC Equality Circle was established to recognize individuals who have created gifts to the Human Rights Campaign or the Human Rights Campaign Foundation through their estate planning. By making a gift in this way, members demonstrate their long-term commitment to the mission of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Shell Starbucks TD Bank

foundation partners Anonymous BBVA Compass Foundation The Black Tie Dinner, Inc. David Bohnett Foundation E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

members who want to

Some of the ways to give as a member of the HRC Equality Circle include:

establish their legacy

• Simple bequest in a will

of ensuring the future

• Life insurance

of LGBT equality.

• Charitable remainder trusts

Please join the hundreds of other Equality Circle

• Retained life estate

The Coca-Cola foundation John Burton Harter Charitable Trust John C. Kish Foundation The Ernest Lieblich Foundation

for more information, visit

www.hrc.org/estateplanning

MetLife Microsoft Corporation Normal Heart Broadway Limited Liability Company

EQUALITY CIRCLE

Pfizer

ENSURING THE FUTURE for LGBT EQUALITY

The Morningstar Foundation

Thomas A. Plein Foundation Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

For more information about making a planned gift, please contact

Tricia Benson, Director of Foundation and Planned Giving estateplanning@hrc.org 202-216-1563.

UPS Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation

Current as of 10/31/2012

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Opportunity within a company that knows the value of its people.

We’re proud of a few things. Proud to offer domestic partner benefits in the U.S. for the past 20 years. Proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network, one of the largest employer resource groups for LGBT employees in the U.S. And proud to provide a workplace that promotes equality and inclusion—because our partners come first.

Become a partner. starbucks.com/careers

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