Walmart, like Target, is making strides in its efforts to support the LGBT community, according to its recently published environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.
The report highlights Walmart’s commitment to inclusivity and reveals the company’s special provisions for LGBT groups, including sourcing supplies from businesses owned and operated by individuals with such identities.
Target has faced calls for boycotts due to its offering Pride products, particularly those aimed at children.
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However, Target’s 2022 ESG report demonstrates its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, with over half of its suppliers being owned, controlled, and operated by women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, or people with disabilities.
Furthermore, 59 percent of their Pride Month assortment was created by LGBT creators and brands.
Walmart’s ‘inclusive sourcing’ program drives economic boost
Walmart has also implemented an “inclusive sourcing” program that supports LGBT groups.
The company’s supplier inclusion initiative provides opportunities for businesses owned and operated by members of the LGBT community, ethnic and racial minorities, and other identities to work with Walmart while fostering business growth.
In the United States alone, Walmart sourced over $13.3 billion in goods and services from approximately 2,600 diverse suppliers.
Companies prioritize action beyond profit-making
ESG principles have gained prominence as companies prioritize actions beyond profit-making and address issues such as climate change, racism, and sexual identity.
These metrics are used by investors, including BlackRock, to evaluate potential investments. However, conservative-led states have expressed criticism of ESG investing in recent times.
Read More: Republicans Introduce A Bill To Ban ESG Investing (thestockdork.com)
Walmart’s exceptional CEI score shows commitment to ‘inclusivity’
Walmart’s commitment to inclusivity is further evident in its perfect score of 100 on The Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
To achieve a perfect CEI score, organizations must support LGBT causes through donations, refuse to donate to non-religious organizations opposing such causes, and demonstrate support for gender transitioning.
Walmart leads the way in ‘workforce protection’ with impressive scores
The CEI score includes top marks in Workforce Protections, ensuring equal treatment for sexual orientation and gender identity or expression across all operations.
Walmart also scored highly in Inclusive Benefits, providing similar health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care.
The company’s inclusive culture initiatives also earned it a perfect score in that category.
Walmart accused of promoting ‘transgender agenda’
While Target’s recent offering of Pride merchandise has sparked controversy, Walmart has also offered Pride products.
One particular product provided by Walmart, a “breathable” chest binder targeting trans, lesbian, and tomboy individuals, has received criticism online.
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The company has been accused of promoting a transgender agenda, similar to the backlash faced by other brands.
Conservative influencers begin a trend of boycotts
The trend of boycotts against companies supporting the transgender community gained momentum after a Bud Light promotional video featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney triggered a backlash from conservative influencers.
Since then, the market value of Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Bud Light, has declined by $15.7 billion.
Another incident involved the women’s clothing brand Anthropologie, which faced criticism after featuring a male model dressed in female clothing in a video on Instagram.
Read More: Clothing Brand Faces Boycott After Using Male Model in Women’s Clothing Ad (thestockdork.com)
Target boycott not sustainable – Senator Cuz
Despite calls for boycotting Target, Senator Ted Cruz believes it may be challenging to sustain such a boycott.
He acknowledged that alternative options like Walmart exist but noted that Target is conveniently located in many areas, making them accessible for shoppers.
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