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Perspectives Blog

Scoring 100 on the Corporate Equality Index

January 28, 2021
Justin Bras
Justin Bras

President of Fannie Mae's Live Openly Employee Resource Group

Each year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation surveys more than 1,000 U.S. companies about their corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) employees.  I am proud to work for a company that for the seventh consecutive year has earned a 100% score on HRC's Corporate Equality Index.

Companies are rated on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

  • Non-discrimination policies across business entities
  • Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families
  • Supporting an inclusive culture
  • Corporate social responsibility

I grew up as a gay boy on a Native American reservation in Montana and graduated in a class of only nine students, an experience that heightened my awareness of having a unique voice — and the effect my voice could have on a community. Fannie Mae’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is what attracted me to the company, and the joy and fellowship I have experienced while working here and as a member of the Live Openly Employee Resource Group (ERG) community is part of what keeps me here. Each of us has a unique voice — expressing those voices authentically and confidently at work benefits us both as individuals and as an organization.

Now, as Live Openly President, I have the opportunity to work with so many others and leverage our voice to help build an even more inclusive environment where employees can grow and develop, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity. My personal goals are to help enhance transgender visibility, advocate for additional surrogacy benefits, and expand training for LGBTQ allies.

Live Openly hosts a multitude of events throughout the year to encourage everyone to find their voices. Most recently, we developed a program titled “LGBTQ Allies 101 Workshop” that equips employees with the tools they need to lend their voice by becoming an effective ally and to support LGBTQ equality in their lives. We’ve educated over 400 employees on:

  • the challenges faced by LGBTQ people, their families, and friends;
  • how to access the information and tools needed to support LGBTQ equality; and
  • how to create an atmosphere of inclusivity for LGBTQ people and those that care most about them – and become empowered to create change.

As Fannie Mae aims to be named one of the top companies for LGBTQ inclusion each year, the Live Openly ERG can help by continuing our commitment to focus our energy on the things that matter most, by sharing our stories and valuing our communities.

The complete 2021 CEI report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

Justin Bras
President of Fannie Mae’s Live Openly Employee Resource Group

January 28, 2021