PRIDE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY

 

In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employers could not discriminate against LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) workers for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, as we all know too well, discrimination still remains widespread in all industries. Millions of Americans have expressed negative sentiments and disparaging views, either for personal or religious reasons, of those with non-conforming sexual orientations and gender identities. Nearly one in four LGBTQ employees experience workplace bullying and public humiliation, according to a Ford Foundation-sponsored study by the Kapor Center. In another study sponsored by Ernst & Young, Out Leadership found that 47% of LGBTQ workers experienced microaggressions, and as a result, 70% engaged in covering behaviors to conceal their LGBTQ characteristics. And there are many similar statistics that verify that discrimination is alive and unfortunately, well.

Automakers' Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

In the case of the automotive industry, every automaker has policies that prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ workers, but these policies don’t translate to equality. There is a large gap between prohibiting discrimination and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace. Beyond legislation and policies, real commitments and initiatives that support LGBTQ employees are essential. To measure progress in this area, the HRC's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is a well-respected barometer for a company's LGBTQ initiatives as it measures areas like employee benefits, supplier diversity, and anti-discrimination practices. In 2004, Ford became the first automaker to receive a 100% score on the CEI – today, this ranking includes General Motors, Tesla, and the U.S. subsidiaries of Hyundai, Subaru, and Toyota.  Other automakers with high marks include FCA and the U.S. subsidiaries of Daimler, Honda, and Volkswagen.

Employee resource groups (ERGs) have been formed by automakers to support and mentor their LGBTQ employees. Michael Palese, a spokesperson for FCA, states, "Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) is a long-established, thriving, and active group within the FCA community." At Michigan’s No. 1 LGBTQ+ business diversity conference presented Ford GLOBE, the Ford Motor Company's LGBTQ+ employee group with the Employee Resource Group of the Year award. In Toyota's ERG, nearly 1,300 members, including LGBTQ allies, are spread out between the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. At Daimler, ERGs are found in its truck division, Mercedes-Benz, and its captive finance unit, Daimler Financial. In addition to supporting existing LGBTQ employees, ERGs help recruit new ones by introducing job candidates to automaker hiring teams seeking diverse talent.

Some automakers have recruitment campaigns targeted toward LGBTQ workers. A General Motors spokesperson explains, "We actively recruit LGBTQ+ talent through avenues such as Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Out For Undergrad; and Reaching Out MBA." FCA, Ford, and Toyota have similar efforts and recruit directly from collegiate on-campus LGBTQ groups. Toyota also supports scholarships for LGBTQ college students via affiliations with advocacy organizations.

Ford, FCA, and General Motors have LGBTQ supplier diversity initiatives via a relationship with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, which certifies LGBTQ business owners after an extensive vetting process.  And while no automaker recognizes LGBTQ car dealers in their dealer diversity objectives, some are considering these types of objectives as a way to encourage LGBTQ inclusion among the one million people that work in new-car dealerships.

And inclusiveness has paid off for automotive companies. Reese Cherry is a vehicle architecture engineer with Ford and has been granted six patents related to the all-new Ford Bronco despite graduating college just five years ago. Reese states, "I've had a lot of valuable experience at Ford and part of that is due to the inclusive work culture. I work in an environment that enables people to be themselves." Dr. Arianna Morales, a General Motors staff research scientist with 24 U.S. and international patents and two more pending, was also recognized as the LGBTQ Engineer of the Year recipient by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. The significant contributions of Cherry and Morales exemplify the importance of inclusive environments.

Inclusion Improves Business

Gallup Research found that nearly 5% of the population identifies as LGBTQ. This stat reaches 8% for millennials, which is explained by a more accepting, younger generation. Thus, millions of LGBTQ Americans are either car buyers or purchase influencers. According to research by CMI, nearly 1 in 5 LGBTQ Americans plan to purchase a car within the next 12 months. Those buyers are loyal to LGBTQ causes, with 76% buying from brands that are supportive of their community, and 86% intending to boycott brands seen as anti-LGBTQ. And these statistics don't account for friends, families, and allies of LGBTQ consumers, which amplify their buying power.

Leaders “Come Out”

Self-identifying is a complex commitment and process. But in the auto industry, there are at least six courageous executives that were willing to share their identities to inspire other LGBTQ workers to express their authentic selves:

• Ford: Alex Purdy, Director of Business Operations for Enterprise Connectivity, and Julien Jacquet, Chief Product Officer, Ford Credit.
• Jaguar Land Rover: James Hunt-Davies, Vice President of Human Resources.
• General Motors: Greg Hagy, Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions.
• Nissan: Travis Parman, Vice President, Communications, North America & International Communications, and Global Engagement.
• Volvo: Greg Nee, head of Digital, Americas, and a member of the Americas Executive Management Team.

With nearly half of LGBTQ employees unwilling to come out at work for fear of retaliatory actions or limited career potential, this group’s decision is worthy of recognition and praise. 

"The world is changing fast but there still remains a tremendous amount of important work ahead for all in transforming the landscape of the LGBTQ group for the better. Education, love, and acceptance will be the answer." – Martine Rothblatt, CEO of United Therapeutics and Founder of Sirius XM

> Note: Much of this post comes from an article by Jeremy Alicandri, "Diverse Heroes Emerge In The Automotive Industry," published August 12, 2020 on Forbes.com. CLICK HERE to read the complete article.