This morning my partner and I were discussing different places to shop when I had to remind him that certain places are not LGBT friendly. This made me think that it would be a good idea to put together a list of the top 10 LGBT friendly companies that we find in our everyday lives.

These companies have not only spent money both state-wide and globally in support of LGBT equality, they have also put into place policies and business practices that support their LGBT employees.

The following is a list of the top 10 companies that have supported LGBT individuals and in my opinion, we should support.

10 – Levi Strauss & Co. In 2009 they introduced an LGBT equality campaign by their White Ribbon campaign. They also received a GLAAD award for their TV ad celebrating LGBT History Month.

9 – Nike. In 2012 the company released a collection of shoes in support of LGBT Pride month.

8 – Microsoft. Started the GLEAM which is a resource group for it’s LGBT employees. Co-founders Gates and Ballmer contributed $100,000 each to support Washington State marriage equality.

7 – JCPenny. In January the company partnered with The Ellen DeGeneres, despite protests from pro-family group Millions for Moms. The company’s May mailer featured a lesbian couple with their children. After protests from anti-gay groups, the company featured a Father’s day ad featuring family with two fathers. The company is proud to place principle over profits.

6 – Apple. The company contributed $100,000 to help defeat Proposition 8. The company also removed an anti-gay iPhone app from Apple’s App Store.

5 – American Airlines. In 1994 the company launched Rainbow Campaign which is an LGBT dedicated sales staff and website to serve the LGBT community.

4 – Google. The company supports legal protection for all same-sex activities around the world through it’s global Legalize Love Campaign. In 2008, Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin blogged about opposing Proposition 8 on Google’s official blog.

3 – Starbucks. The company discussed their support for same-sex marriage at a 2012 share-holder’s meeting. The company is also known for it’s continuing commitment to provide all part and full time employees health insurance benefits.

2 – Boeing. The company extended benefits to same-sex couples in 1999 and is very focused on promoting diversity within the company.

1 – IBM. The company has been rated twice as the U.K.’s most LGBT friendly company. In the U.S., IBM is extremely vocal in its support of LGBT equality and diversity.

The companies listed above make it a point in their everyday business practices to support LGBT equality and their LGBT employees. I think it’s very important that we as consumers make a point to support these companies. We can make everyday choices as to where we spend our money to support LGBT equality. Research companies before deciding to support them. Other important examples include CVS pharmacy, Macy’s and Crate & Barrel. The money we spend at these companies allow them to help fund LGBT equality.