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Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand have made the courageous and necessary move to institute a new policy formally recognizing gay and lesbian employees.
One group’s history of being discriminated against offers hope to another with this bold move. The Native American community is no stranger to being left out in the cold for their heritage and background. Lori Potter, a spokeswoman for Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprises, understands what it is like to be in the minority at home. "Our Pequot culture has endured a lot of discrimination over the centuries so we understand the importance of being able to embrace all the freedoms [Americans treasure].”
Likewise, the gay and lesbian community faces discrimination every single day in all fifty states. As of August 3, 2010, it was still legal in 29 states to fire someone based on whether or not they disclosed that they were gay. The battle regarding California’s Proposition 8 is still entangled and has a long way from unwinding completely and the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is finally just being defeated after years of effort.
A press conference was held on Thursday at the Shrine Asian Kitchen, Lounge and Nightclub. Pop singer and former 80’s star Deborah “Debbie” Gibson was on hand to help release the message and offered the following statement to the press, “I’ve always felt an affinity for the LGBT community. I have performed in many places when I was younger and the gay clubs are always the most fun and welcoming.” She continued, "I was so thrilled all of this was happening while I was performing, because I've always felt a kinship with the LGBT community. Obviously, it gives people a voice and dignity at a place that is so steeped in history and tradition." Deborah is currently starring in the show Cirque Dreams at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Among the new human resources policies issued to current and future LGBT employees are the right to obtain same-sex medical benefits just like their straight co-workers. Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand are offering sensitivity, diversity and sexual harassment training to assist in the transition. There are over 9,000 employees currently on staff between the two casinos.
Expanding human resources policies to include LGBT employees will not only benefit those in the LGBT community, but also the casinos themselves. At least, that is what Foxwoods and MGM are betting on. Instead of just taking out a full-page ad in the local newspapers, they are literally going to walk the walk and make it right.
The Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO) is backing Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand on their move towards equality. "Foxwoods has truly emerged as an LGBT ally," CABO's president and founder Dena Castricone shared.
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