rights
Cowardly corporations abandon LGBTQ America
By Kevin Naff at Washington Blade
· June 18, 2026
· 4 min read
I had a thought provoking conversation with Billy Porter over Memorial Day weekend. The talented and opinionated star asked me how things were going at the Blade and in D.C. given the current administration in the White House. It was a loaded question. The short answer is that things in D.C. are pre
Key takeaway given the current administration in the White House.
Why this matters
The withdrawal of corporate support for LGBTQ causes and Pride celebrations has significant implications for the community, particularly in states with limited legal protections. Companies like Absolut, Marriott, and Walmart have continued to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ inclusivity, but the abandonment by others, such as Target and PepsiCo, may embolden discriminatory practices in the workplace and beyond. The role of corporate America in advancing equality cannot be overstated, as they have previously used their influence to combat discriminatory laws and promote inclusive hiring practices. The current trend of corporations distancing themselves from LGBTQ issues may undermine progress made in recent years, leaving vulnerable individuals without crucial support. As the LGBTQ community navigates this challenging landscape, it will be essential to monitor the actions of these corporations and hold them accountable for their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. National resources, such as the National LGBTQ Task Force, will likely play a critical role in filling the gaps left by corporate abandonment.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I had a thought provoking conversation with Billy Porter over Memorial Day weekend. The talented and opinionated star asked me how things were going at the Blade and in D.C. given the current administration in the White House. It was a loaded question. The short answer is that things in D.C. are pre
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kevin Naff at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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