6 Ways for Government Agencies to Support the LGBTQ+ Community Through Public Procurement

In the spirit of embracing diversity and equality, #PrideMonth serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. While progress has been made in honoring rights and advocating for acceptance, there is still work to be done to ensure genuine belonging across all aspects of society. One avenue through which government agencies play a transformative role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community is by leveraging the impact of public procurement. By strategically harnessing their purchasing power, these agencies have the opportunity to uplift LGBTQ+-owned businesses, promote equal opportunities, and advocate for human rights. In this blog post, we explore the vital role that government agencies play in advancing LGBTQ+ equality and how public procurement practices can be utilized as a powerful catalyst for positive change, creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Over the years, the U.S. government has achieved significant milestones in LGBTQ+ community advocacy through legislative changes, court decisions, and executive actions. In 2010, it approved the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act” to allow LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the military. Furthermore, while former President Barack Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity, President Joe Biden signed executive orders reinstating protections for transgender individuals in healthcare and education, and directing federal agencies to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, initiatives like the "It Gets Better" campaign have received government support, offering resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing bullying. Likewise, government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have implemented public health campaigns to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ health disparities, promote HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and provide culturally competent care.

It is clear that advocating for and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community holds significant importance on the political agenda of the U.S. and beyond. We celebrate the milestones by pointing out 6 ways for government agencies to support the LGBTQ+ community through public procurement:

• Promoting inclusion and diversity: Government agencies can prioritize supplier diversity programs that actively include LGBTQ+-owned businesses in the procurement process. By setting specific goals and targets for LGBTQ+ inclusion, government agencies can help create a more equitable marketplace and foster economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
• Equal employment opportunities: Government procurement contracts can include provisions that require contractors to maintain nondiscrimination policies inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, promoting safe and inclusive working environments for LGBTQ+ employees.
• Supporting LGBTQ+ suppliers: Government agencies can provide resources and assistance to help LGBTQ+-owned businesses navigate the procurement process, including workshops, training, and mentorship programs to enhance their competitiveness and increase their chances of securing government contracts.
• Advocating for human rights: By vetting suppliers by their commitment and advocacy human rights, including LGBTQ+ rights, government agencies can promote ethical practices and avoid working with entities that have a history of discrimination.
• Supplier diversity reporting and transparency: Establishing robust reporting mechanisms and tracking systems can help monitor and evaluate the progress of LGBTQ+ inclusion in government procurement. 
• Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations: Government agencies can partner with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce to ensure their procurement strategies align with the needs and aspirations of the community. 

Throughout Pride Month, we reinstate our commitment to highlighting the connection between public procurement and the advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. We firmly believe that public procurement is a pervasive subject that directly affects people's lives, and we are steadfast in our mission to educate and raise awareness about its impact. This month-long celebration not only serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights but also highlights the ongoing work required to achieve full #equality and #inclusivity.