3 Ways Your Bank Can Support the LGBTQ Community

The banking industry has a great opportunity to champion diversity, equity and inclusion during LGBTQ+ Heritage Month in June and beyond. Your bank can take action to support and advance the LGBTQ+ community and employees in your institution using the guidance and examples in this resource from the American Bankers Association.

3 Ways Your Bank Can Support the LGBTQ Community

There are many ways to support the LGBTQ+ community and employees throughout Pride Month in June, and year round. This resource provides examples and guidance on how to get started or to take your DEI efforts to the next level.

1. Support your employees with internal practices and programming:

• Expand your workforce development efforts to ensure that LGBTQ+ employees have opportunities for leadership development
• Encourage LGBTQ+ employees to apply for leadership development programs to strengthen their leadership skills and enhance their careers
• Host a focus group discussion with LGBTQ+ employees to learn additional ways to ensure their equity

2. Invest in community organizations that promote the financial empowerment of LGBTQ+ communities:

• Partner with local organizations such as LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, the Trevor Project or the Human Rights Campaign to learn about the needs of the LGBTQ+ community
• Register to offer one of the ABA Foundation’s free financial education programs to consumers, particularly those in underserved communities
• Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses
• Donate to an organization committed to stopping violence against LGBTQ+ people such as Community United Against Violence

3. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June – but don’t stop there. We encourage you to look for opportunities to advance LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace:

• Participate in or sponsor an LGBTQ+ community event during June such as a Pride Parade
• Arrange the watching of the Stonewall Uprising: The Year that Changed America
• Feature LGBTQ+ employees on social media and spotlight their roles within your organization
• Organize a book discussion with employees about the LGBTQ+ experience