I guess even douchebags have a good side and can do the right thing at some occasion. In fact, Goldman Sachs CEO, Lloyd Blankfein, came out in support of marriage equality in a new web-ad.
As the New York Times pointed out Lloyd Blankfein, who faced and still continues to face harsh criticisms from Wall Street critics because of the bank crisis, might look like an unlikely advocate for same-sex marriage.
The Human Rights Campaign, a national organization that promotes equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, has persuaded Mr. Blankfein to be its first national corporate spokesman for same-sex marriage, an issue that will come up for a legislative vote in several states this year, including Washington and Maryland. Fred Sainz, an executive with the Human Rights Campaign, said the organization sought Mr. Blankfein, in part, because he is “an unexpected messenger.”
It's also important to note that Blankfein last year signed an open letter calling on New York state lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage.
He is not the only CEO who called to legalize same-sex marriage. In fact, Starbucks also endorsed same-sex marriage in Washington State. In a statement, Kalen Holmes, Executive Vice President of Starbucks said:
Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples ... This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company.
We are deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and treating one another with respect and dignity, and remain committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment for all of our partners.
We look forward to seeing this legislation enacted into law.
HuffingtonPost had a slideshow of Companies that came in support of same-sex mariage including Microsoft, Apple, Levis, Google, Home Depot, Nike...etc.
Lloyd Blankfein may still be a douchebag, but we should applaud him for this.