By German Lopez
First, companies often follow other institutions. In 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and the president at the time backed the ruling. These events signaled to businesses that gay rights causes had become mainstream, and many responded by supporting Pride Month.
Second, companies face internal pressure. In 2022, workers at Disney walked out over legislation in Florida that restricted discussion of gender and sexuality in schools. Disney subsequently fought for months with the state government, particularly Gov. Ron DeSantis, over L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Third and last, businesses chase consumer sentiment. Most Americans opposed the Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and many companies, including Apple and Starbucks, responded by voicing their support for abortion rights.