In this Article: 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers: How to Spot Them
- How can Job Seekers Spot 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers?
- Further Support | Inclusive Employers Lists & Resources
July 6 marked the end of Pride Month celebrations on Vancouver Island, but while the festivities have come to an end, the need for support in finding 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive employers remains.
WorkBC Centre Westshore & Sooke surveyed the employment needs and barriers faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ job seekers at the Victoria Pride Festival in the park on July 6, 2025.
Of 122 attendees surveyed, 20.5% stated that an inclusive employer list was the most helpful support for 2SLGBTQIA+ job seekers. Similarly, 20% said that a lack of inclusive or affirming employers was their most significant barrier to finding work.
How Can Job Seekers Spot 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers
1. Look Beyond the Marketing
Start with the company’s website and public presence. A genuine commitment to inclusion often manifests in explicit diversity statements, the visible use of inclusive language in job postings and other communication pieces, and real stories or testimonials from 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. Look for signs of year-round engagement, not just during Pride Month, such as public support for 2SLGBTQIA+ causes or sponsorship of local Pride events.
2. Check for Inclusive Benefits and Policies
Truly inclusive employers offer benefits that cater to the diverse needs of their staff. These may include:
- Gender-affirming healthcare coverage
- Fertility or family planning benefits for all family types
- Inclusive parental leave
- Domestic partner coverage
- Clear anti-discrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity
Company career pages sometimes list these details, but you can also ask HR if you are comfortable doing so.
3. Ask the Right Questions During Interviews
Depending on your comfort level, use interviews to probe whether the organization lives its inclusion or only states it. You might ask:
- “What does 2SLGBTQIA+ belonging look like here year-round?”
- “Are there active 2SLGBTQIA+ employee groups or mentorship opportunities?”
- “How does leadership support equity and inclusion in the workplace?”
Genuinely inclusive employers will offer concrete examples, not vague reassurances.
4. Observe the Culture and Ask Around
Whenever possible, speak with current or former employees. Ask if 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are visible in leadership roles, if inclusion training is regular, and whether team dynamics are respectful and open. You can also check platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor for employee reviews and leadership diversity.
5. Use Third-Party Inclusion Indexes
External resources like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index or Canada’s Pride at Work network can help verify whether a company’s public messaging aligns with internal practices.
6. Search for Inclusive Keywords
When searching for website copy or job vacancy announcements, look up keywords saying ‘inclusive’, ‘2SLGBTQIA+’ etc.
By following these six strategies, 2SLGBTQIA+ job seekers can be better poised to find inclusive employment opportunities.
Further Support | 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers Lists & Resources
Are you job searching on Vancouver Island?
WorkBC Centre Westshore & Sooke 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers List
The following employers are vetted as inclusive by WorkBC Centre Westshore & Sooke or have a history of diverse/inclusive hiring through the WorkBC Customized Employment Program
- A&W Westshore
- A&W Sooke
- Petro-Canada
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Salvation Army Thrift Store Langford
- Walmart
- Winners
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Organizations: Victoria Pride Society Business & Resource Directory & Affiliates
Victoria Pride Society’s business directory and resource directory lists businesses which serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, which strongly indicates them as also being inclusive employers.
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Employers: Public Sector and Non-Profits
Many public sector and nonprofit employers are known for inclusive policies and accountability:
Are you Job Searching in Canada?
Canada’s Top 100 Diversity Employers: Leading 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
Canada’s Top 100 Diversity Employers outlines employers that lead the nation in raising the standards for inclusiveness in Canadian workplaces.
Regional employers include:
Pride At Work Canada’s Job Board and Social Media
Pride At Work Canada’s Job Board is Canada-wide and a great resource for finding Canadian employers and potentially regional B.C. ones. Their social media channels also showcase partnerships with different organizations, a strong indicator of inclusivity.
Pride at Work Canada Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Additional 2SLGBTQIA+ Employment Resources & Supports: WorkBC
Further support is available online through WorkBC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Resources. Local job seekers in the Westshore & Sooke areas can also visit WorkBC Centre Westshore or Sooke in person for additional support, including workshops, guidance from experienced employment advisors, and open resource rooms with access to computers and resume assistance for job search work.
If you need additional help with your job search, contact us to learn more about WorkLink’s free employment services and resources: 250.478.9525 or info@worklink.bc.ca