Reuters
Joanne Norris poses for photo at the Pride day parade in the Queens borough of New York City, New York, U.S., June 3, 2018.
- October 11 is National Coming Out Day in the United States.
- Some companies try to create a more inclusive environment by catering products to the LGBTQ community and contributing to advocacy groups.
- These five apparel companies are paving the way for LGBTQ equality, and are worthy of support on National Coming Out Day.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Friday is National Coming Out Day, a day when we celebrate LGBTQ people and their decisions to come out to themselves, their families, and their communities.
But despite the increased visibility of LGBTQ people, basic necessities such as job stability, safety, and housing are still a large concern for many members of the community.
As of now, the US federal government does not have a mandated policy protecting LGBTQ employees from workplace discrimination. With unemployment rates disproportionately high for LGBTQ people - especially among transgender and gender-nonconforming people - this kind of discrimination and fear of unemployment can prevent people in the community from living authentically and feeling safe to be out at work.
But some companies have taken it upon themselves to close these gaps, whether it be through hiring practices, catering products toward LGBTQ people, or contributing resources to advocacy organizations.
Here is a list of five apparel companies who are paving the way for queer equity, and that you should consider supporting today or any other day of the year.