Cream City Foundation: Milwaukee lags behind neighboring states on LGBT workplace rights

CONTACT: Maria Cadenas 414.225.0244, media@creamcityfoundation.org

(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – A recent report by the Cream City Foundation shows that Milwaukee lags behind Minnesota and Illinois on workplace rights for LGBT employees. In addition, an estimated 30% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees feel that their being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity hurts their careers.

“Creating a thriving Milwaukee is deeply dependent in the ability of our region to attract and retain a high quality workforce,” said Maria Cadenas, executive director of the Cream City Foundation. “Our report is a starting point to discuss how we need to look at the full spectrum of diversity to ensure we are able to attract and retain the best talent – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The report uses data collected during local focus groups and online surveys, as well as data gathered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) during their annual nation-wide survey on corporate equality. HRC’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) data shows that in the 2011 report, 16 Wisconsin corporations were rated and only two received top rating CEI scores of 100%. Both, Illinois and Minnesota, have significantly higher number of top rating CEI companies, 34 and 14, respectively.

Wisconsin’s average CEI of 51% falls significantly behind to these neighbors’ rate of 81% and 80%. But even within Wisconsin, Milwaukee area headquartered employers fall behind. Madison based companies average rating was of 78% to Milwaukee’s 47%. Even when we only review Milwaukee’s largest HRC rated private sector employers, regardless of headquarters location, Milwaukee’s CEI average rating remains below Madison, Illinois and Minnesota’s, going up only to 70%.

While Milwaukee has moved forward on offering non-discrimination policies and same-sex benefits for domestic partners, regional and national corporate leaders have increased diversity training, provided employee network groups, supported local professional LGBT associations, conduct LGBT marketing, and provide community support to LGBT programs.

About Cream City Foundation

Cream City Foundation is a community foundation that serves as the leader in mobilizing philanthropic resources, fostering strategic collaboration, effecting positive change and the advancement of the quality, dignity, and health of LGBT people in Southeastern Wisconsin. Founded in 1982, Cream City Foundation provides services, education, and funds to strengthen the LGBT community. To learn more about Cream City Foundation and its business outreach efforts please visit CreamCityFoundation.org .