I have always been a huge fan of Toyota, but now that is coming to an end. I can honestly say that when I heard the news that Toyota has changed its approach to diversity and inclusion programs, and will no longer sponsor cultural events and parades, including LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations, it broke my heart.
Toyota sent a memo out to employees and car dealerships stating this and that they would only be supporting events that are related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education or job readiness. They are stopping its involvement in cultural surveys and the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, where it had previously received a perfect score for its efforts in diversity and inclusion.
Other companies that have taken similar actions include, Ford, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, and Stanley Black & Decker. I am afraid that more will be following this trend as well, but I hope that I am wrong.
I have not been able to really put into words how I am feeling about this, but it is really sad time and confusing to see things going backwards instead of forward. But one thing that I have learned is that the LGBTQIA+ community is going to keep doing what they do and lead with love and light.
Let me know in the comment section what you think about this current trend and how it is going to affect the community.
