GM is a strong supporter of LGBT media and events and one of the first to recognize this site as a valuable media outlet. Their acumen in identifying and courting the LGBT consumer did not happen overnight or because of one person’s efforts. Rather, a group of employees have worked diligently over the years to raise awareness internally of LGBT issues and have tirelessly stood up for their rights as employees. All that hard work has paid off and GM’s employee resource group (PLUS) has been recognized by Out & Equal as LGBT Employee Resource group of the year. Congratulations GM PLUS! Keep up the great work. – Joe LaMuraglia, Editor, Gaywheels.com

GM PLUS Wins Out & Equal “Outie” Award for LGBT Employee Resource Group of the Year

GM’s diverse affinity group leads the way in advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace equality
DETROIT (October 9, 2009) — Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates – the leading national organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality in the workplace – recognized General Motors’ GM PLUS (People Like US) affinity group with the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Award for Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year last night at the nonprofit’s annual summit in Orlando, Florida. The Out & Equal Workplace Awards (commonly known as “The Outies”) honor individuals and organizations that are leading the way to advance equal rights for LGBT employees in America’s workplaces.

“GM is honored to be the first automaker recognized by Out & Equal with its Outie Award for LGBT Employee Resource Group of the Year,” said Adam Bernard, chair, GM PLUS. “This is a tremendous testament of GM’s dedication to workplace diversity, justice and equality.”
Since 1993, GM’s LGBT employee group has actively campaigned for equal treatment and safe, accepting working conditions for all GM employees. What started primarily as a social networking group, eventually became known as GM PLUS. Today it consists of more than 200 members and helped GM achieve the top rating of 100 percent from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
“It is our diverse workforce that connects us to the global marketplace,” said Karen DeCuir-DiNicola, manager, GM diversity initiatives. “Their talent and ideas drive innovation and enhance our ability to compete in the world economy now and in the future. We are honored to receive this award that recognizes our success in advocating for LGBT equal rights in the GM workplace.”
As part of the awards ceremony, GM presented a video that included highlights of the work of GM PLUS as well as a personal message from GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz.
GM PLUS tied for ERG of the Year with GLIFAA, the ERG of the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Their award acceptance video featured U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
GM PLUS Board Member Tina Seitz was also a finalist for the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes an LGBT person who has made a significant contribution to advancing workplace equality by helping improve their own workplace or contributing to equality nationally.