HRC Recognizes Airbnb as One of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality

This is the fifth year in a row that Airbnb has received this recognition.

Since 2016, Airbnb has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as a top workplace for the LGBTQ community, scoring a 100 percent on the organization’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Airbnb is proud to receive the designation this year, joining more than 680 major U.S. businesses. 

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:

• Non-discrimination policies
• Employment benefits
• Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion
• Public commitment to LGBTQ equality
• Responsible citizenship

“The impact of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe,” said HRC President Alphonso David.

Airbnb strives to support LGBTQ employees and is proud of several of its unique policies in place. Last year, Airbnb adopted an official U.S. policy to support transgender employees in the workplace and managers of employees who are transitioning. The policy provides guidance for transitioning employees, protects trans employees from continued misgendering, and contains useful terminology and guidance for teammates and managers of trans employees. The company’s Anthem medical coverage for employees in the U.S. was also expanded to follow the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care. WPATH promotes evidence-based care, education, research, advocacy, public policy, and respect for transgender health. 

AirPride, Airbnb’s global employee resource group, has more than 450 members globally. They meet regularly with the mission to make the company a great place to work for LGBTQ employees, and to support LGBTQ communities in need through partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

“If we are going to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere, we need to make sure that belonging starts within Airbnb. In partnership with our Employee Resources Groups, AirPride and Trans@, executive sponsors and other allies, we continue to support our LGBTQ employees. People of all sexual orientations and gender identities should be treated respectfully and fairly, and it’s our responsibility to make sure Airbnb is an inclusive place where our employees can truly thrive. We’ll continue to champion LGBTQ equality by working with civil rights partners like the Human Rights Campaign, and supporting legislation like the Equality Act. We are honored to receive the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent ranking for a fifth year in a row,” said Melissa Thomas-Hunt, Head of Global Diversity and Belonging.