Building on its legacy of workplace inclusion and support for the broader LGBTQIA+ community, The Walt Disney Company received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2023-24 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQIA+ workplace equality. Disney’s efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria earned the designation as an Equity 100 Award winner. Disney first achieved a perfect score in 2007 and has received a 100-percent rating ever since.
“Creating workplaces where employees can be their authentic selves is one of our most important aims toward inclusion,” said Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As an avid and long-standing champion of LGBTQIA+ communities, families and fans, Disney continues to deepen our support through emblematic content, community advocacy, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.”
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Workplace Protections
- Inclusive Benefits
- Internal Training and Inclusive Culture
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Two new elements of the CEI’s criteria focus on companies adopting gender transition guidelines with supportive policies and documentation guidance, and workplace policies that provide a safe and affirming experience for transgender and non-binary workers.
“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Senior Director of Workplace Equality. “While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion.”
In the last decade, Disney has championed LGBTQIA+ communities and families through charitable grants and program support to organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ community; advanced programs, policies, and resources to build a culture of belonging for LGBTQIA+ employees; and infused content and experiences with more, rich LGBTQIA+ stories.
Through employee service and company donations, Disney is a longtime supporter of organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community and work toward equality, including Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the Trevor Project, Family Equality, GLAAD, and the HRC.