The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, commonly known as GLAAD, launched the Corporate Responsibility Index in 2002, with a goal to evaluate how various companies were treating their LGBTQ employees and customers. This initiative was well-received at the time, with big brands proudly touting their high rankings on the index as a badge of honor.
However, as the cultural and political landscape evolved, the index and GLAAD itself found themselves at the center of controversy, becoming a target for conservative critics and activists. The turning point came in 2014 when the organization made changes to its index criteria that were perceived by some as leaning too heavily on progressive ideology rather than simply focusing on corporate LGBTQ inclusivity.
Conservative groups and pundits took notice and began to single out GLAAD and the Corporate Responsibility Index, accusing them of pushing a woke agenda and punishing companies that did not align with their specific views on LGBTQ issues. This marked the beginning of what is now commonly referred to as the war on woke, in which conservative voices seek to push back against what they see as excessive political correctness and social justice advocacy.
Despite the backlash, GLAAD has remained steadfast in its mission of promoting LGBTQ inclusivity and representation in media and corporate spaces. The organization continues to work with companies to improve their LGBTQ policies and practices, but the landscape in which they operate has undoubtedly become more polarized and contentious.
As the culture wars rage on, the story of the Corporate Responsibility Index serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of advocating for social change in a deeply divided society. While the index may have initially been seen as a force for good in promoting LGBTQ rights, its evolution and subsequent politicization highlight the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and equality in all aspects of public life.
