Marriott International (No. 2 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) announced it will donate $100,000 to Immigration Equality, a New York nonprofit that empowers LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants.
The donation is the largest corporate gift the organization has ever received. Marriott is being celebrated for their commitment to not only Pride Month, but promoting LGBTQ rights year-round.
Marriott’s Beyond Barriers event on Monday was co-hosted by Immigration Equality and VideoOut. #LoveTravels was started in 2014 through an initiative by Marriott, a 2019 Top Company for LGBTQ employees. It gives customers a platform to share their unique stories.
VideoOut helps Marriott to launch videos shared by their diverse travelers with messages of acceptance through storytelling.
Seven years into its partnership with Immigration Equality, Marriott International’s donation will expand the organization’s work providing free legal services to LGBTQ asylum seekers fleeing persecution in their countries of origin. In addition to supporting direct services, it enables Immigration Equality to advocate and litigate on behalf of LGBTQ immigrants before Congress and the courts.
“Our longstanding partnership with Marriott International helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants,” Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality said in a statement.
“With this generous commitment, we can expand our life-saving work on behalf of hundreds of people each year seeking safe haven from violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV-status. We can also take on more landmark cases at higher level courts that will set legal precedents for a broader population of LGBTQ couples and families.”
The LGBTQ community hopes that more companies will follow Marriott’s lead and become not only more welcoming to LGBTQ but standing with Marriott for change.
“World Pride NYC is a historic crossroads for all LGBTQ communities,” Brian King, Global Officer at Marriott International, said.
“What better way for Marriott to highlight our dedication to diversity, inclusion and social good, than by advancing the mission of Immigration Equality through our #LoveTravels platform. It’s our belief that when love travels, the world is a more peaceful and inclusive place, we hope these goals will resonate around the globe.”
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