55 LGBTQ+ Job Search & Career Resources in 2024

47 Job Search Resources for LGBTQ+ people

The process of job-hunting may vary for members of the LGBTQ+ community depending on their location or what stage they’re at in their career or their industry.

To make it easier for you to navigate through all the available resources, we’ve divided them into distinct categories, starting with:

10 Geographic Resources

Checking local resources is the first step to understanding what the job market for LGBTQ+ members is like in your area. Connect with your LGBTQ+ community and find area-specific support networks to gain valuable insight. 

The following organizations have information on trusted employers in your area that offer an accepting environment to work in:

1. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. An umbrella organization that connects more than 1,700 organizations across 160+ countries.
2. Human Rights Campaign. The largest LGBTQ+ advocate organization in the USA, which now has global outreach and resources, and can offer some aid wherever you are.
3. Community Business. The organization that created Asia’s Diversity and Inclusivity Index, which is now an annual assessment for LGBTQ+-friendly corporations across the entire continent of Asia.
4. Eagle. A leading Canadian NGO based in Toronto that provides 2SLGBTQI people all across Canada with resources such as educational materials and access to legal advocacy.
5. Stonewall UK. One of the largest LGBTQ+ organizations that operates all over the UK, including Scotland and Wales.
6. Switchboard Victoria. An organization that provides support to LGBTQ+ people in the state of Victoria, Australia.
7. MassEquality.org. An LGBTQ+ advocacy initiative based in Massachusetts, USA.
8. Equal Rights Washington. An LGBTQ+ community outreach and advocacy program in the state of Washington, USA.
9. Equality California. A non-profit organization that works to elevate the voices of LGBTQ+ people in California and the entire USA.
10. ABGLT. The largest LGBTQ+ non-profit in Brazil.

5 Resources for Recent Graduates

LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those with limited work experience, face distinct challenges when navigating the job market. 

Some are forced to abandon their academic pursuits due to economic inequality or discrimination, thrusting them into a workforce they might not be prepared for.

Those who do graduate are also vulnerable to ending up in work environments that lack the necessary protections and inclusivity for their professional growth. 

To find a supportive workplace when entering the job market, consider looking through the following organization.

1. Campus Pride. An entry-level job board that offers training events and development opportunities for LGBTQ+ graduates.
2. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. The Center’s career services are aimed at LGBTQ+ youth and their unique difficulties when entering the job market. They offer resources for employment opportunities, training, support for transitioning in the workplace, and more.
3. Lambda Legal. A pro-LGBTQ+ law firm that offers internships for law students, as well as other opportunities for work in the field.
4. Point Foundation. An LGBTQ+ organization aimed at empowering students within the community by providing scholarship and internship opportunities.
5. Out for Undergrad. An organization aimed at LGBTQ+ students that provides access to free conferences with corporate professionals and helps young members of the community achieve the most they can in professional development.

32 Industry Resources

Whether you’re an entry-level or a seasoned professional, there are many safe spaces to earn a living. Depending on your field of interest, you might want to find support tailored to the industry you want to work in.

On the journey to find an employer that prioritizes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, check out this list of networks and organizations divided by field:

Art & Design

1. The Queer Creative. A podcast run by LGBTQ+ artists and designers that give other members of the LGBTQ+ community a place to talk about their experiences in the fields of art and design.
2. Queerport. A global creative directory that gives LGBTQ+ creators a platform to share their vision and collaborate with like-minded artists. They offer exclusive events, art workshops, and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists and writers.
3. QUEER|ART. The organization offers a project-based mentorship program for emerging LGBTQ+ artists with established creative professionals.
4. BTFA Collective. Black Trans Femmes in the Arts is dedicated to giving the crucial resources and support that these artists need in their personal and professional lives. 
5. Queer Design Club. A platform that allows LGBTQ+ designers to share their contributions to the field and connect with each other.
6. QTBIPOC. A directory aimed at LGBTQ+ designers of color that offers free educational materials, social events, and mentorship opportunities.

STEM & IT

1. Out to Innovate. Formerly known as the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, OTI provides peer support, advocacy, education, and professional development to LGBTQ+ professionals in STEM. Their paid membership plan gives you access to mentorship opportunities and networking groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.
2. Lesbians Who Tech. An international community of over 70,000+ members that provides support to LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, and trans professionals in the tech industry. Check out their newsletter for information on coding scholarships and events.
3. LGBTQ in Technology. A Slack channel that’s open to LGBTQ+ techies who want to chat and support each other.
4. Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM). A place to celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity and contributions to the STEM community. Check them out to expand your social circle, exchange technical knowledge, and improve your professional skills.
5. Out in Tech. A non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders with some exclusive job opportunities. They’re dedicated to advancing careers, expanding networks, and using tech for positive social change.
6. Queer Tech Club. A Chicago-based tech community with a Slack channel. They provide networking and professional development opportunities for LGBTQ+ techies.
7. TransTech. A platform focused on providing trans techies with opportunities, including educational events, hands-on training, and a shared co-working space in Chicago.
8. LGBTTech Paths. The organization is aimed at young adults interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and offers educational content and the opportunity to connect with LGBTQ+ professionals in the field.

Media & Marketing

1. National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. A collective of journalists, educators, and media professionals, all dedicated to ensuring unbiased coverage of LGBTQ+ issues in the media industry and providing its members with professional development.
2. G Marketing Association. An active Facebook community for LGBTQ+ marketing professionals that offers mentorship and access to exclusive events.
3. GLAAD. A network of 20,000+ LGBTQ+ professionals and allies working towards inclusive and accurate portrayals of LGBTQ+ people in the media. They provide educational courses and training videos aimed at media professionals.

Education

1. Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Founded to transform the educational landscape to give LGBTQ+ youth a safe environment to learn and grow in. They provide LGBTQ+ educational resources for students and teachers alike.
2. GSBA. The Greater Seattle Business Association is an LGBTQ+ organization that begins in Seattle, Washington. They offer educational opportunities, social events, and philanthropic work.

Other Industries

1. Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies. A State Department and USAID employee organization that aims to improve diversity and equity in the USA’s foreign affairs agencies and promote human rights for LGBTQ+ people globally.
2. National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. A national association that connects legal professionals such as lawyers, paralegals and judges, law students, activists, and affiliated LGBTQ+ organizations. Their goal is to promote equality and justice within and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Gay Lesbian Directory. A global directory that lists businesses that are LGBTQ+ friendly, such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, sports and entertainment venues, and more.
4. Out Professional Network. Connects job seekers with prospective employers that value diversity in the workforce through online networking and career fairs.
5. Out Professionals. A networking platform that connects motivated LGBTQ+ professionals, supportive allies, and community-conscious corporate partners together.
6. Pink Jobs. A job board connecting LGBTQ+ candidates with pro-equality companies.
7. TransWork. A platform dedicated to connecting transgender job-seekers and entrepreneurs with supportive employers and business partners.
8. Diversity Working. A job board with sections that list employment opportunities for members of various marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
9. Workplace Diversity. A platform that connects Equal Opportunity Employers with candidates from the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups.
10. LGBT Connect. A job board with a directory of LGBT+-friendly employers.
11. LGBTQ Remotely. A job board that lists remote work opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community in fields including tech, sales, marketing, design, and more.
12. CenterLink. A job and careers board that shows LGBTQ+ community center job opportunities across the USA, including remote positions.
13. Simply Hired. A popular job board website that allows you to look through the results when you search keywords “LGBT friendly” and check the open positions in your area.

How to Find & Get Hired at LGTQ+ Inclusive Companies

While there are plenty of job-search tips you can use to land your dream job, you first need to research organizations with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Specifically, you should keep an eye out for companies with non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender expression, and that also have partnerships with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.

But how is a company’s friendliness towards LGBTQ+ employees measured? 

Various LGBTQ+ organizations have created tools that analyze companies’ policies and practices, and provide a research-based score that shows how LGBTQ+ inclusive an employer is.

Here are some of the most popular indicators used to measure LGBTQ+ inclusivity in business:

• The Corporate Equality Index by Human Rights Campaign is the oldest and most popular tool. It’s been used to assess US companies since the early 2000s. Since many of these businesses have an international presence, their policies are also often adapted in their foreign offices.
• The UK Workplace Equality Index and The Global Workplace Equality Index are run by Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ organization based in London, England. They also have international branches such as The India Workplace Equality Index.
• The Global Benchmark Monitor by Workplace Pride started in the Netherlands and now reflects workplace conditions for LGBTQ+ employees across the world. Their LGBT Monitor also offers insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ workers across Europe.
• The South African Workplace Equality Index created by the South African LGBT+ Management Forum started in 2018 and is the only assessment tool on the African continent.
• The Australian Workplace Equality Index started in 2010 and has been growing as more and more employers join the fight for equal rights and strive to improve their diversity and inclusion policies.

Once you’ve found the right job to apply to, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusivity. If applicable, list volunteer work or other community involvement on your resume. 

By showcasing your passion for LGBTQ+ rights and your contribution to safe spaces, you’ll increase your chances of being hired by a company that shares the same values.

Assessing Employers

A company’s policies and practices might not always align with its public image, so it’s essential to verify its attitude toward LGBTQ+ employees. To do that, you want to evaluate their true commitment to diversity and inclusion and make an informed decision about whether they’re offering a workplace you can thrive in.

Here’s how you can vet the company you want to apply to:

#1. Scan the company website and job advertisement

• What’s their company culture like?
• Do they mention any mentoring or support programs?
• What are their Equal Employment Opportunity or other hiring policies?
• Do they offer any domestic partner benefits?
• Have they partnered with any non-profits or sponsored any Pride Month activities before?

#2. Check outside sources

• What do reviewers say on Glassdoor.com? Check the diversity and inclusion section on the company’s profile.
• The Human Rights Campaign Employer Database may give you some insight.
• Search the web! Look up the organization’s name + keywords like “discrimination”, “harassment” or “employee complaints.”
• If possible, ask around your network. Do you have any acquaintances that work there?
• Do any of your local LGBTQ+ community centers know anything about the employer?

#3. Evaluate them during the application process

• Look through the application materials and disclosure agreements. Are there any mentions of confidentiality in terms of the candidate’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
• Contact the HR department and ask questions about the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. If possible, ask a friend to do it in your place if you want to remain anonymous.
• Ask questions during interviews. Demonstrate your interest in workplace diversity and related policies. You can even do so without specifying your sexual orientation or gender expression. Just inquire about several types of diversity (racial, ethnic, etc.) and include the one you’re most interested in among them.

Coming Out At Work

Once you’re hired somewhere, there’s another thing you have to decide as an LGBTQ+ employee. Should you come out at work?

Disclosing you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community during an online application is confidential. But mentioning it during an interview, confiding to a coworker, or sharing it on social media isn’t, which means there are no guarantees your company won’t find out.

Since the decision depends on your personal preference, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

LGBTQ+ Rights in the Workplace

A lot of employers include protections for LGBTQ+ people in their non-discrimination policies. 

Beginning your job search with companies that offer you this protection is a good start but there are other things you can keep an eye out for.

Depending on where you would like to work, research your area’s LGBTQ+ legal protections. For citizens of the USA, we recommend the Movement Advancement Project. The interactive map shows which states include sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression within their non-discrimination policies.

Once you’re more informed on the LGBTQ+ rights you can expect in a given area, you can consider what other rights your employer offers.

Rights LGBTQ+ employees enjoy

There are many rights and workplace benefits that LGBTQ+ employees enjoy and take into consideration when choosing an employer. To non-members of the community, some of these rights may be taken for granted but they have been long fought for. 

These workplace rights for LGBTQ+ employees aren’t a request for special treatment but an opportunity to be treated fairly and equally.

Here are some of the most common rights that LGBTQ+ employees look for in a job:

1. Enforced non-discrimination policies. Bullying should not be tolerated in the workplace. This includes any sort of harassment, unfair treatment, or ridicule at the expense of the employee’s identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. While many companies might include sexual orientation or gender identity under their protections, what employees are looking for is enforcement of those policies.
2. Domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples. These are some of the most sought-after benefits which provide LGBTQ+ employees with a sense of security for their loved ones.
3. Adoption leave. Some employers offer new parents leave to adjust to welcoming their biological children. Extending the same courtesy to parents who are expanding their family by adopting is only fair.
4. Healthcare benefits that include gender-affirming care. This perk truly transforms the lives of transgender and non-binary workers. Enjoying the opportunity to safely transition and having a healthcare package to ease that financial burden is a huge plus.
5. Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees. Allowing employees to have their internal networks and discuss their experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community at work is integral to improving the workplace.
6. Cutting ties with organizations that openly discriminate. Companies that truly support their LGBTQ+ workers don’t do business with those that finance anti-LGBTQ+ movements or enforce such policies. For an employer to be considered a true ally they need to be consistent in their support, not only offer it when it’s convenient.

8 Legal resources for LGBTQ+ employees

Having access to legal resources is essential to protecting your rights. These resources provide vital expertise and support when it comes to workplace discrimination, harassment, or navigating the complexities of family and medical leave policies.

Additionally, legal resources empower LGBTQ+ individuals to advocate for themselves and others and contribute to creating a more diverse and fair work environment for everyone.

So with that in mind, here’s a list of the top legal resources for LGBTQ+ workplace advocacy you can check out:

1. Human Rights Campaign. The largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the USA offers detailed information on laws, legislation, and workplace rights.
2. Lemda Legal. A group fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in the US legal courts since 1973, with one of their most recent cases being the one that lead to marriage equality for LGBTQ+ being recognized all over the USA. They also provide an LGBTQ+ legal help desk.
3. Out and Equal. Workplace advocates who collaborate with government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to create a safe and welcoming working environment for LGBTQ+ employees.
4. Pride at Work. Represents LGBTQ+ union members and allies, bridging the gap between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBTQ+ community to further economic and social justice. They have available resources on LGBTQ+ workers’ rights and contract negotiation rights.
5. American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU’s LGBT project provides a list of common issues LGBTQ+ individuals face and offers advice on how to tackle them.
6. Transgender Law Center. The largest trans-led organization in the USA that advocates for the civil rights and fair treatment of trans members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as offering special support for those who are African-American or disabled.
7. National Center for Transgender Equality. A platform with quick access to information about your rights as a trans employee and how to defend them.
8. National Center for Lesbian Rights. An organization that provides legal resources and advocacy for LGBTQ+ employees facing discrimination in the workplace.

12 Best Companies That Actively Promote LGBTQ+ Inclusion

There’s more to being inclusive than not discriminating against LGBTQ+ employees. Positive action and community engagement make some companies sincere in their support.

We’ve taken the liberty of creating a list of companies that celebrate the things that make us unique.

Here are some of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive companies that you can apply to:

#1. Accenture PLC

The Irish firm has proven itself to be a global ally and provides a safe workplace for LGBTQ+ employees across many countries. In addition to scoring a perfect 100 on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) regularly, they also help sponsor events during Pride Month globally, including in countries with far less inclusivity than Ireland.

#2. American Airlines

The Texas-based company was the first U.S. airline to add sexual orientation and gender expression in its non-discrimination policy, ensuring that their LGBTQ+ employees are protected. In recent years, the American joined dozens of other businesses in writing an open letter to the Texas lawmakers, insisting that LGBTQ+ people retain their full civil rights protections under state law.

#3. Apple Inc.

Not only is the company a long-standing enforcer of non-discrimination policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees, but they also make generous donations to organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.

#4. Ben & Jerry’s

The world-beloved ice cream brand has a longstanding history of passionately supporting causes that you can read about on its website. Their socially conscious approach to business and giving back to the community is proven by their unwavering support for racial justice, climate activism, and LGBTQ+ equality.

#5. Bunq

The Dutch fintech company is devoted to fighting climate change and improving the lives of its workers. Bunq is praised by its employees for being an extremely LGBTQ+ friendly office environment and being the first European card issuer to launch the True Name feature with MasterCard, showing support to the transgender and non-binary communities.

#6. The Coca-Cola Company

The famous soda company supports and donates to LGBTQ+ charities and does more than sell rainbow-branded products during Pride Month. They’ve used their marketing to delicately put fun spins on same-sex relationships during their Pride Month campaigns in countries like Brazil, Romania, and Bulgaria, where LGBTQ+ discrimination is rampant.

#7. IBM

The International Business Machines Corporation added “sexual preference” to its non-discriminatory policy and included domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples back in 1984. The company’s international presence has also made it home to regional LGBTQ+ employee networks across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

#8. Microsoft Corp.

The world-renown tech conglomerate has included sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination policies since the 1980s. Microsoft has donated millions to LGBTQ+ organizations and consistently scored a full 100 points on the Corporate Equality Index by HRC.

#9. PayPal Holdings, Inc.

As an active LGBTQ+ advocate, PayPal has taken serious stands against discrimination. In the 2010s, following the passing of a North Carolina state law that removed non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the company put its foot down. They canceled their plan to open an office in the state, citing the lack of protection for their employees, and took their business elsewhere.

#10. PwC

The company has a long-standing history of diversity policies and was among the first to create an LGBTQ+ advisory board. They host a summit every two years, where LGBTQ+ employees can network and hone their leadership skills.

#11. Starbucks Corporation

The coffee giant has been backing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion for well over a decade, even when their vocal support has led to financial loss. The corporation has gotten a perfect score of 100 in the CEI for 12 years in a row.

#12. Visa

The global payment solution has lobbied to protect same-sex marriage and block anti-LGBTQ+ mandates, all while regularly donating to Pride Month celebrations. Their company culture is inclusive and has a history of working with LGBTQ+ non-profits

Key Takeaways

And that concludes our breakdown of LGBTQ+ job search and career resources!

Now, let’s summarize the basics:

• Start your job hunt by looking through the LGBTQ+ resources available to you. You can look up information based on your geographic area or professional industry.
• Carefully assess employers before and during the hiring process. Make sure your future employer is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community to ensure your equality in the workplace.
• Know your rights as an LGBTQ+ employee and look for employers that offer inclusive perks such as gender-affirming healthcare and domestic partner benefits.
• And, if necessary, use the legal resources at your disposal to defend your civil rights.