Hilton has been granted Pride365 Seal of  Approval for its ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion across its business and pledge to end pinkwashing. 

The Pride365 certification awards companies that publicly commit to realistic goals to achieve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and wider society.

Hilton has placed LGBTQ+ inclusion at the core of the brand’s vision, mission and values. Over the past 10 years, the hospitality company has made a steadfast commitment to its LGBTQ+ Team Members and  guests alike, including: 

● Hilton offers a wide range of inclusion resources for Team Members, including a  comprehensive adoption assistance programme, an Executive Diversity Council and a Pride Team  Member Resource Group. 

● Hilton also regularly collaborates with leading organisations, including Human Rights  Campaign, GLAAD, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, National Gay & Lesbian  Chamber of Commerce, National LGBTQ Task Force, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and 

● Hilton has been a proud member of the HRC Corporate Coalition Against Anti-LGBT Legislation and the HRC Business Coalition for Equality in support of the Equality Act. Last year, Hilton was the first hospitality company to join the Global Equality Fund, an initiative of the U.S. State  Department that advances and protects the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons around the world. 

The Pride365 Seal of Approval measures inclusion in the workplace, customer care quality and marketing, and shines a light on work that would otherwise go unseen. It awards authenticity, and companies must match several criteria as well as complete an Inclusion Assessment Tool (IAT) employee survey. Businesses also have to achieve a minimum baseline performance before committing to a path of incremental improvement year on year.

Commenting on the award, Patricia Page-Champion, senior vice president and global commercial director, said: “Hilton is proudly represented by different cultures, genders and sexualities, and is committed to  embracing a fully inclusive workforce. As a global brand, Hilton provides a safe space for all guests and  Team Members to be their whole self, and we are honoured to be recognised with the Pride365 Seal of  Approval, as it demonstrates our commitment towards true inclusivity.”

Jack Mizel, CEO of Pride 365, said: “Pride 365’s certification process is for those companies or organisations who are genuine and authentic in their support of the LGBTQ+ community and wish to bring an end to pinkwashing and the corporate appropriation of the LGBTQ+ community.

“There is a fundamental difference between a company showing up at a Pride event, waving a rainbow flag and believing they have done their bit, and one which provides its staff with true equality of opportunity and recognises and values the LGBTQ+ community 365 days of the year, not just during Pride season. We are thrilled Hilton has passed the certification process and look forward to supporting and helping them achieve their objectives over the coming year.” 

Hilton has pledged to demonstrate its commitments towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity, which includes supporting the work of InterPride throughout the year whilst forming partnerships with charities to continue driving social change.  

Read about Hilton’s diversity and inclusion agenda here.