Within the LGBT equality movement are a number of organizations with important missions that keep the momentum and focus on business moving  forward.

At Affinity Inc, we have followed and supported many of these groups, but are particularly interested in drawing attention to the following pillars for their pursuit of LGBT business equality:

• HRC – The Human Rights Campaign
• NGLCC – National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.
• PFLAG – Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays
• StartOut.

Collectively, the missions of these pillar organizations define LGBT business equality as a movement of its own. These organizations — and others in this issue — represent a large number of partners, members and supporters that are working to secure the very foundation of LGBT business equality and economic security. The five pillar organizations featured in this issue are trusted and loyal partners of some of the largest companies and brands in the world. We invite you to think strategically about what each of these organizations means to the movement and why your continued support makes a difference.

In conjunction with the five pillars, there are supporting organizations and government agencies aligned in mission and outcome in support of LGBT business equality. Friend factor is one of those gems, and they are helping corporations and business schools enlist ally support for LGBT equality in the workplace.

At Affinity Inc, we understand the power the government has in leveling the playing field. In this issue, we share how the stars aligned for an Atlanta-based, small business owner after the Many Faces. One Dream. tour, orchestrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration with help from the National Black Justice Coalition, came to visit.

Also in this issue, we are celebrating JPMorgan Chase’s 25-year-old supplier diversity program and the U.S. Tennis Association’s winning ways in diversity and inclusion. Finally, J. Robby Gregg Jr., a thought leader for diversity, shares a simple and elegant formula for increasing your “return on relationship.”