Gay friendly cars
“The automotive world isn’t always a comfortable place for LGBT shoppers,” proclaims , founded in to combat that situation. “Showrooms and garages are known more for macho swagger and technical jargon than for welcoming gay men—much less lesbians or transsexuals.”
It’s strenuous to argue that the situation in the showrooms is dramatically changed, even in the more welcoming, gay marriage-friendly world of But many auto companies include stepped up to woo LGBT customers, General Motors most prominently. Since , the company has had an employee resource group that focused on equal treatment for LGBT workers. Now it’s called GM PLUS (People Prefer Us). And GM actively markets its cars to gay consumers.
In , Gaywheels found Hyundai/Kia, Suzuki and Porsche to be “gay-unfriendly” for failing to protect their LGBT employees from workplace discrimination. Today, Porsche has been moved into the friendly column and Suzuki is out of business in the U.S., so only Hyundai/Kia is still on the list. The automaker had no immediate comment.
In , I reported on Subaru being the most gay-friendly carma
By Ramon Johnson, Gay Life Guide
I love the spirit of automobiles. With each exterior line, curve, interior appointment, color and technological wonder shines a unique personality that tells its possess story. At first look, a car seems no more than basic metal, plastic and appointments, but a ride in the driver's seat reveals a machine of distinction, purpose and personality.
Cars tell stories about their owner, but can a ride be gay or make someone gay? Of course not, yet the style of a noun model can match certain styles and personalities.
In , while browsing the North American International Auto Show, I decided to meld the visual and performance characteristics of automobiles with the diverse personalities of gay men. The result was a list of top cars that fit unique gay styles. Four years later, I introduce my top picks for
Best Ride for the Employed Gay: Acura ZDX
Honda vehicles, although sturdy and dependable, have been predictable when it comes to style the last few generations. Sedans, utes and trucks were ultra reliable but far from youth-inspiring or adult sexy. Th
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The market
Since the purchase of a car involves quite a substantial amount of money, automobile manufacturers have turned their attention to the L and G markets decades ago: some brands aim for gay men, others typically for lesbians.
Subaru was the first one to recommend themselves to lesbian drivers, and they have done so for years, with the help of i.a. Martina Navratilova. Subaru also spoke out politically, in support of LGBT. They are, hands down, the winner in the LGBT-friendly competition (see below).
Brands like Jeep, Audi, Toyota, Fiat, BMW, Ford and Volvo have all targeted the G(LBT) consumers over the years, and this has only increased since the verdict of the SCOTUS in the US has made the rainbow mainstream.
Gay Wheels
The website Gay Wheels is dedicated to the car as an object of admiration, status, hobby for gays and lesbians, and discusses how – and why – car companies engage in gay marketing. They outline themselves as “the sole source of information specifically targeted to and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender car-shoppers.” Inter
Research among LGBT consumers shows that majority of us want to spend our money with companies that have progressive policies towards their LGBT employees. The only challenge is, that information hasn&#;t been easy to find &#; until now.
has done the footwork and offers this list of gay-friendly manufacturers that sell vehicles in the USA. To be considered gay-friendly, an automakers must, at a minimum, have a policy that prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Once you&#;re armed with the information, you have the choice whether or not to spend your money with companies that are gay-friendly. Of course, we encourage you to vote with your checkbook and support companies who treat their LGBT employees equally.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER
We&#;re happy to report that all major automakers doing business in the U.S. now see the minimum standard for classification as LGBT-friendly. Going forward, we&#;ll share information with you that shows which have gone the extra mile to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity, to offer medical coverage f