How Walmart Is Looking to Support LGBTQ+ Workers

Aiming to ensure that "everyone is included and belongs at Walmart," the country's biggest retailer announced new efforts to support LGBTQ associates and the broader LGBTQ community.

Walmart workers now can self-identify their gender identity, sexual orientation and preferred pronouns if they choose to do so, Walmart Chief People Officer Donna Morris wrote in a company blog post. In addition, Morris wrote, Walmart is "continuing to update our systems and processes" to allow associates to identify their preferred name.

"A person's name is the greatest connection to their own individuality and should be recognized consistently across all parts of the company," wrote Morris.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer also has launched an LGBTQ Officer Caucus, one of several such groups comprising senior Walmart leaders who are working to build community and advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Walmart, the company said.

"We are building a Walmart for everyone, and we know that diverse voices at the leadership level drive innovation, guide our path forward and serve as a source of inspiration," Morris wrote. 

Among Walmart's other "Pride Every Day" efforts are a partnership launched last June with Included Health, a platform that looks to connect LGBTQ associates and family members with high-quality, affirming healthcare, and a recent $500,000 donation to PFLAG in support of a program providing virtual communities to connect LGBTQ people of color and their families.