TransWorks Reps Hope Letter to Local LGBTQ-Friendly Businesses 'Touches Hearts, Spurs Action'

CHICAGO – Representatives of Chicago House’s TransWorks Program recently sent an open letter to more than 40 businesses in and around Chicago that have developed a rapport with those in the LGBTQ community.

Recipients have built a history of supporting and advertising to community members, according to a TransWorks press release.

"While many have already demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices, this letter addresses the reality of discrimination and unemployment in 2017 for people who are transgender and/or gender nonconforming," the media alert said.

Program coordinators indicate that at 15 percent, the U.S. unemployment rate among those in the LGBTQ community is three times higher than national average of 5 percent.

“We are so excited to support companies who continue to grow and establish even more inclusive hiring practices,” Kate Harrington-Rosen, TransWorks Program manager, said in the release. “Our hope is that our letter not only touches people's hearts, but spurs them to action. We are truly looking forward to hearing from these companies, and others we haven’t reached out to yet, who would like our support in fostering more trans-affirming workplaces.”

The letters were sent to the following companies and businesses:

• Absolut
• Allstate
• Amazon
• AT&T
• Banana Republic
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Boost Mobile
• BP
• Campbell’s
• Charles Schwab
• Chobani
• Clean and Clear
• CNA
• Coca Cola
• Doritos/Frito Lay
• Equinox
• Gap
• Hallmark
• Honeymaid
• Hotwire
• iCandee Marketing
• Johnson & Johnson
• Kohl’s
• Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
• Lexus
• Lush
• Macys
• Marianos
• MB Financial
• Nabisco
• Nielsen
• Nordstrom
• Oreo
• Pepsi & Co
• Sabra
• Salesforce
• State Farm
• Subaru
• Tiffany and Co
• Tylenol
• Wells Fargo
• Xfinity
• Zales

Those interested in learning more about the TransWorks Program should contact Jes Scheinpflug at 773-248-5200, ext. 367 or jscheinpflug@chicagohouse.org.

Chicago House and Social Service Agency (CHSSA) serves individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services, and other supportive programs. Chicago House’s TransWorks’ Team Lauds Businesses’ Inclusivity Practices & Extends Partnership Invitation to Address Unemployment and Discrimination in Trans Community.

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