Be Equal

LGBTQ+

IBM is committed to provide a safe and welcoming environment to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and non-binary individuals. Our success in creating an open and welcoming environment—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression—has allowed us to attract and retain valuable new talent.

Be Outspoken

Andidiong Akpe

“Pride is the reminder that Black Trans Lives Matter. Pride is the courage to fight for ourselves and each other towards all of us having the right to just live and be.”

Andidiong Akpe (He/Him)
Marketing Campaign Manager, IBM

Be Outspoken

Edie Windsor

“I think the truth is if you really care about the quality of somebody’s life as much as you care about the quality of your own you have it made.”

Edie Windsor (She/Her)
IBM, 1958 - 1975

Numbers

  • 65%

    of the LGBTQ+ Community are concerned about how anti-LGBTQ+ legislation will affect their employment opportunities

  • 71

    countries worldwide still criminalize same-sex sexual activity

  • 80%

    of trans people experience a hate crime at least once a year

Associations

We’re teaming with external organizations devoted to making a difference, leveraging research and offering resources to our employees

Out & Equal

US

Human Rights Campaign

US

Pride at Work Canada

Canada

Stonewall Global

Western Europe

Workplace Pride

Western Europe

Pride Connection

Latin America

Prague Pride

Central and Eastern Europe

Colorful Workplaces

Africa

Japan Work with Pride

Asia

Perspectives

IBM and IBMers stand with the LGBTQ+ community and call for change to ensure equality

Tim and Melissa

IBMers Tim and Melissa, on Bringing Their Authentic Selves to Work

Mark

How Feeling Safe at Work Helped Me Come Out as Bisexual

How an IBM Business Development Team Has Helped the LGBTQ+ Community for Nearly 20 Years

Resources

Learn from established organizations about how to get involved and take action

4 Distinct Ways to Support an Employee through their Transition Journey

LGBT+ authenticity and inclusion in the workplace

Champion diversity

Every one of us is a complex combination of diverse characteristics. Learn more about other communities and embrace all aspects of identity.

Pivotal moments

1996

IBM began to provide Domestic Partner Benefits for IBM’s gay and lesbian employees in the United States. At the time, IBM was the largest company to provide benefits for domestic partners.

Pivotal moments

2002

‘Gender identity or expression’ is added to IBM’s global Equal Opportunity Policy, making IBM the largest corporation at the time to include gender identity or expression in a non-discrimination policy.

Pivotal moments

2019

IBM offers IBM published a statement applauding the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the DACA program and urging Congress to pass a bipartisan legislative solution, signed by SVP, Diane Gherson.