A groundbreaking study has unveiled a remarkable shift in acceptance of LGBTQ+ colleagues among American employees. The findings reveal a majority of workers across the United States now demonstrate a greater acceptance of their LGBTQ+ counterparts in the workplace. This transformative trend reflects the progressive strides made towards building inclusive environments that foster diversity and respect. By embracing the LGBTQ+ community, organizations are fostering a sense of belonging and promoting a culture of equality, where every employee can thrive.

The Data
The study, conducted by Glassdoor, highlights the significant progress achieved in creating a more acceptance of LGBTQ+ colleagues. Rather than merely tolerating differences, a growing number of employees are actively embracing and supporting their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
These findings signify a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and workplace equality. They demonstrate the collective realization that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but cornerstones of a progressive and prosperous society. With increased awareness and education, employees are challenging discriminatory beliefs and stereotypes that have plagued workplaces for far too long.
The shift towards acceptance of LGBTQ+ colleagues is attributed to various factors. Firstly, the tireless advocacy efforts of LGBTQ+ activists and organizations have raised awareness and fought for equal rights. Their campaigns have challenged misconceptions and fostered empathy and understanding among the general population.
Interestingly, businesses are recognizing the undeniable benefits of creating inclusive environments. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion gain a competitive edge by attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and capable of solving complex problems.
Organizations that support LGBTQ+ employees experience higher employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention rates. By promoting an inclusive workplace, companies are not only fulfilling their ethical responsibilities but also reaping the rewards of a more harmonious and productive workforce.
While these findings are undoubtedly encouraging, the journey towards full acceptance of LGBTQ+ colleagues equality in the workplace is far from over. There are still pockets of resistance and instances of discrimination that need to be addressed. Companies must continue to implement and enforce comprehensive anti-discrimination policies and provide ongoing diversity training for employees.
What does this mean?
By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, organizations are not only creating a more welcoming and harmonious work environment but also reaping the benefits of a more innovative and productive workforce. However, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is ongoing, and it is crucial for businesses to remain vigilant in promoting inclusivity and challenging discriminatory behaviors.
On a personal note, I can tell you the importance of an inclusive work environment and acceptance of LGBTQ+ colleagues as a member of the community. Previous to my current position, I worked in an environment that appeared to be inclusive but their verbiage, questions, and assumptions about me indicated some deeper convictions contrary to the corporate line. Fast forward to today, I work for an organization that celebrates diversity in all forms. It’s a passion of the CEO to have the most diverse organization and our processes and words align.
Are you interested in more on this topic? Check out:
LGBTQ Inclusion: Moving Beyond Lip Service
Celebrate Pride, Don’t Rainbow Wash It
What Schitt’s Creek taught us about Diversity and Inclusion
About me
and Sprint Recruiting

Trent Cotton is a highly accomplished leader and strategist with extensive experience in organizational development, talent management, and business operations. With a strong background in HR leadership, he has a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative HR programs that drive employee engagement, retention, and business performance.
As an experienced executive, Trent has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, where he has led and supported HR initiatives across a broad range of functions, including talent acquisition, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, performance management, and employee relations. He is also highly skilled in HR technology implementation, data analytics, and HR process improvement, helping organizations to optimize their HR operations and drive business results.
If you follow his blog http://www.sprintrecruiting.com or have read his book, Sprint Recruiting, you would experience his raw communication style, his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, and his strategic mindset. He is passionate about creating workplaces where employees can thrive and grow, and he is committed to helping organizations leverage the power of their people to achieve their business objectives.
In addition to his professional experience, Trent is actively involved in his community and has served on several boards and committees supporting education, workforce development, and diversity initiatives.
In his free time, Trent has written two books: “The 7 Deadly Sins of HR” and most recently, “Sprint Recruiting”. He will be releasing “The High Performing Recruiting Team” in the fall of 2023 and “FutHRist” in 2024.
He’s an active participant in the HR Industry and is asked to participate in roundtables or provide keynotes for many organizations. His blog Sprintrecruiting.com reaches thousands of readers and provides unique insights on a range of recruiting topics.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter for more.
- If you would like to learn more about Sprint Recruiting, Click here to join our mailing list.
- Be sure to check out the resource center providing helpful templates, dashboards and other material related to Sprint Recruiting.