6 Companies That Don’t Suck for Gays in 2025. Where Gay Activism Means Grabbing a Whopper.
Alright, gents, here’s the tea: I got absolutely roasted for stepping foot inside a Target. Honestly, fair enough. We all know their rainbows disappear faster than your Grindr date the morning after Pride. So after that lovely little lecture, I found myself thinking, “Well, where the fuck am I supposed to shop?”
Enter my trusty AI assistant—because apparently even algorithms have better taste than corporate America these days. We dove deep, looking at real-world data: who makes good on their rainbow-tinted promises, who stands by the LGBTQ+ community even when it pisses off shareholders, and most importantly, general corporate douchebaggery levels (because honestly, my ex gave me enough trauma).
Buckle up, because here’s your official Gay Mens Field Guide 2025 Top 6 Gay-Friendly Businesses, places where you can spend without needing to shower off the shame afterward.
6. Burger King (Fast Food)
Why They’re Here: Look, Burger King’s not out here winning Nobel Peace Prizes, but they’ve got some skin in the game. Back in 2021, they turned their Ch’King sandwich into a gay rights fundraiser, donating 40 cents per sale to the Human Rights Campaign—capped at $250,000, sure, but it’s something (Franchise Wire Pride Support https://www.franchisewire.com/these-franchise-fast-food-giants-support-pride-month/). They’ve got decent employee policies too—nondiscrimination stuff that actually holds up.
Track Record: This isn’t their first rodeo. They’ve been tossing rainbow wrappers around during Pride for years, and while it’s not revolutionary, it’s a hell of a lot better than Chick-fil-A’s “we hate gays” donation spree.
Why It Matters: Fast food’s a battlefield—every dollar’s a vote. Burger King’s not perfect, but their breakfasts kind of nail it, let’s keep it real. Hash rounds = fire. So grab a Whopper and feel marginally less shitty about it. It's for equality so the calories aren't real I hear.
5. H-E-B (Supermarket)
Why They’re Here: H-E-B, the Texas grocery king, scored a perfect 100 on the 2023-2024 HRC CEI. That means they’ve got nondiscrimination policies, inclusive benefits, and they’re not afraid to throw cash at queer causes—like donations to places like the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation (Supermarket Perimeter LGBTQ Equality https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/6183-eight-supermarket-chains-get-100-score-on-lgbtq-equality-index).
Track Record: They’ve been quietly building this rep for years, especially in a state where you’d expect more Bible-thumping than rainbow flags. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady.
Why It Matters: If you’re in Texas (or parts of Mexico), H-E-B’s your grocery go-to. Stocking up for a drag brunch? They’ve got your back without the guilt trip.
4. Walmart (Big Box Store)
Why They’re Here: Yeah, I know—Walmart? The megacorp? I mean they're not exactly falling in short with gay activism. Hear me out. They’ve got a zero-tolerance policy on LGBT+ discrimination, sponsor Pride events, and have employee groups for us queers (Walmart Diversity) (https://corporate.walmart.com/). It’s not a love story, but it’s progress.
Track Record: They used to be a punching bag for activists—fairly so—but they’ve been shifting gears since the mid-2010s. By 2025, they’re a legit contender for allyship, flaws and all.
Why It Matters: Target’s out, and Walmart’s everywhere, what are you gonna do? Need cheap shit without funding hate? They’re a begrudgingly solid pick.
3. Nordstrom (Clothing Store)
Why They’re Here: Nordstrom’s been serving looks and equality since the ‘90s. They rolled out life partner benefits in 1998—pre-Obergefell, mind you—and keep getting HRC’s “best place to work” nod. Gender-neutral bathrooms? Check. Pride parades? Check ([Nordstrom LGBT Support](https://www.nordstrom.com/).
Track Record: This isn’t new for them. They’ve been at it since before it was cool, proving fashion can be fierce and fair.
Why It Matters: Shopping for that slay-worthy outfit? Nordstrom’s got the vibe and the values. Treat yourself without the side-eye.
2. Best Buy (Electronics Store)
Why They’re Here: Best Buy’s killing it in the tech world with transgender-inclusive health benefits, employee resource groups, and Pride event swagger (https://www.bestbuy.com/). They’re not just selling TVs—they’re selling inclusion.
Track Record: They’ve been climbing the CEI ranks for a while, hitting 100% consistently. It’s rare for tech to care this much, and they’re proving it’s possible.
Why It Matters: I know I know, geeksquad sucks ass. That being said, Best Buy is sort of a fun throwback. Why not consider, before you say they're expensive.. they.Price Match
Protip: How to kill it on price matches-
go to a price matching store (make sure they pricematch where you found the better price) and show a clerk and request a price match on your phone, that's it. Here's where it get's really good though- pair that with Google Shopping Welcome to never paying retail[ again.
1. Starbucks (Coffee Shop)
cks (Restaurant Chain)
Why They’re Here: Starbucks is the OG. They started same-sex partner benefits in 1999—fucking *1999*—and were loud as hell for marriage equality. Inclusive gender policies, Pride floats, the works ([Starbucks LGBT Support](https://www.starbucks.com/)). They’re the gold standard.
Track Record: Starbucks support goes back decades. They didn’t wait for public opinion to catch up—they led the charge. Even now, they’re not backing down.
Why It Matters: Coffee’s life to me, and Starbucks makes it a queer-friendly way to go. Plus, they're just everywhere, making it an easy choice.
Protip: try their blonde espresso; their normal espresso sucks ass, but blonde isn't terrible. Sip that latte knowing they’ve been with us since the dark days.
The Wrap-Up: Shop Smart,
Here’s the deal: these companies aren’t saints, I chose them because they're the best in class of what's] widely and internationally available. They’re corporations—profit’s still king. But they’re not out here funding conversion therapy or pulling Pride displays because some Karen threw a fit. As of March 29, 2025, they’re the best I’ve found across fast food, supermarkets, big box, and beyond. Will they fuck up tomorrow? Maybe. Shit changes. But right now, they’re where I’m taking my gay ass to shop, and I hope you’ll join me.
This list came from digging with Ember, my executive AI with the Deep Search function. through the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index ([HRC CEI](https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index)), CNN’s boycott coverage ([CNN Target Boycott](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/business/target-boycott-jamal-bryant/index.html)), and the Williams Institute’s corporate policy research ([Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/)). It’s not fluff—it’s real. So, let’s support these spots, keep the pressure on, and maybe, just maybe, make hate a little less comfortable in America. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Starbucks run to make.
6. Burger King (Fast Food)
Why They’re Here: Look, Burger King’s not out here winning Nobel Peace Prizes, but they’ve got some skin in the game. Back in 2021, they turned their Ch’King sandwich into a gay rights fundraiser, donating 40 cents per sale to the Human Rights Campaign—capped at $250,000, sure, but it’s something (Franchise Wire Pride Support https://www.franchisewire.com/these-franchise-fast-food-giants-support-pride-month/). They’ve got decent employee policies too—nondiscrimination stuff that actually holds up.
Track Record: This isn’t their first rodeo. They’ve been tossing rainbow wrappers around during Pride for years, and while it’s not revolutionary, it’s a hell of a lot better than Chick-fil-A’s “we hate gays” donation spree.
Why It Matters: Fast food’s a battlefield—every dollar’s a vote. Burger King’s not perfect, but their breakfasts kind of nail it, let’s keep it real. Hash rounds = fire. So grab a Whopper and feel marginally less shitty about it. It's for equality so the calories aren't real I hear.
5. H-E-B (Supermarket)
Why They’re Here: H-E-B, the Texas grocery king, scored a perfect 100 on the 2023-2024 HRC CEI. That means they’ve got nondiscrimination policies, inclusive benefits, and they’re not afraid to throw cash at queer causes—like donations to places like the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation (Supermarket Perimeter LGBTQ Equality https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/6183-eight-supermarket-chains-get-100-score-on-lgbtq-equality-index).
Track Record: They’ve been quietly building this rep for years, especially in a state where you’d expect more Bible-thumping than rainbow flags. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady.
Why It Matters: If you’re in Texas (or parts of Mexico), H-E-B’s your grocery go-to. Stocking up for a drag brunch? They’ve got your back without the guilt trip.
4. Walmart (Big Box Store)
Why They’re Here: Yeah, I know—Walmart? The megacorp? I mean they're not exactly falling in short with gay activism. Hear me out. They’ve got a zero-tolerance policy on LGBT+ discrimination, sponsor Pride events, and have employee groups for us queers (Walmart Diversity) (https://corporate.walmart.com/). It’s not a love story, but it’s progress.
Track Record: They used to be a punching bag for activists—fairly so—but they’ve been shifting gears since the mid-2010s. By 2025, they’re a legit contender for allyship, flaws and all.
Why It Matters: Target’s out, and Walmart’s everywhere, what are you gonna do? Need cheap shit without funding hate? They’re a begrudgingly solid pick.
3. Nordstrom (Clothing Store)
Why They’re Here: Nordstrom’s been serving looks and equality since the ‘90s. They rolled out life partner benefits in 1998—pre-Obergefell, mind you—and keep getting HRC’s “best place to work” nod. Gender-neutral bathrooms? Check. Pride parades? Check ([Nordstrom LGBT Support](https://www.nordstrom.com/).
Track Record: This isn’t new for them. They’ve been at it since before it was cool, proving fashion can be fierce and fair.
Why It Matters: Shopping for that slay-worthy outfit? Nordstrom’s got the vibe and the values. Treat yourself without the side-eye.
2. Best Buy (Electronics Store)
Why They’re Here: Best Buy’s killing it in the tech world with transgender-inclusive health benefits, employee resource groups, and Pride event swagger (https://www.bestbuy.com/). They’re not just selling TVs—they’re selling inclusion.
Track Record: They’ve been climbing the CEI ranks for a while, hitting 100% consistently. It’s rare for tech to care this much, and they’re proving it’s possible.
Why It Matters: I know I know, geeksquad sucks ass. That being said, Best Buy is sort of a fun throwback. Why not consider, before you say they're expensive.. they.Price Match
Protip: How to kill it on price matches-
go to a price matching store (make sure they pricematch where you found the better price) and show a clerk and request a price match on your phone, that's it. Here's where it get's really good though- pair that with Google Shopping Welcome to never paying retail[ again.
1. Starbucks (Coffee Shop)
cks (Restaurant Chain)
Why They’re Here: Starbucks is the OG. They started same-sex partner benefits in 1999—fucking *1999*—and were loud as hell for marriage equality. Inclusive gender policies, Pride floats, the works ([Starbucks LGBT Support](https://www.starbucks.com/)). They’re the gold standard.
Track Record: Starbucks support goes back decades. They didn’t wait for public opinion to catch up—they led the charge. Even now, they’re not backing down.
Why It Matters: Coffee’s life to me, and Starbucks makes it a queer-friendly way to go. Plus, they're just everywhere, making it an easy choice.
Protip: try their blonde espresso; their normal espresso sucks ass, but blonde isn't terrible. Sip that latte knowing they’ve been with us since the dark days.
The Wrap-Up: Shop Smart,
Here’s the deal: these companies aren’t saints, I chose them because they're the best in class of what's] widely and internationally available. They’re corporations—profit’s still king. But they’re not out here funding conversion therapy or pulling Pride displays because some Karen threw a fit. As of March 29, 2025, they’re the best I’ve found across fast food, supermarkets, big box, and beyond. Will they fuck up tomorrow? Maybe. Shit changes. But right now, they’re where I’m taking my gay ass to shop, and I hope you’ll join me.
This list came from digging with Ember, my executive AI with the Deep Search function. through the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index ([HRC CEI](https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index)), CNN’s boycott coverage ([CNN Target Boycott](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/business/target-boycott-jamal-bryant/index.html)), and the Williams Institute’s corporate policy research ([Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/)). It’s not fluff—it’s real. So, let’s support these spots, keep the pressure on, and maybe, just maybe, make hate a little less comfortable in America. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Starbucks run to make.
In my local community, I’ve noticed a lot of advertising hullabaloo about “Women Owned” businesses. Is there a corresponding list of local companies owned by LGTBQ folks?
Asking for a friend.
Great reading