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Toyota just turned its back on LGBTQ+ culture and DEI initiatives after facing an angry mob. Apparently, Toyota was getting too woke and people were mad about it. While generations argue about who is too sensitive, Toyota is busy trying to calm its conservative consumer base down. 

Toyota abandons LGBQT+ support and DEI initiatives 

Conservative drivers have had enough of automakers like Toyota being all-inclusive by supporting LGBQT+ events and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

Toyota Motor Corporation shared a memo with 5,0000 United States employees and 1,500 dealerships that states it will narrow community activities to align with STEM education and workforce readiness. 

Plus, it is ending its participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and other corporate culture surveys. Some employees are being effectively silenced. 

This move was in response to an anti-DEI activist named Robby Starbuck. He’s a failed politician who used to direct music videos in Hollywood with a large pull online. 

He called for people to boycott Toyota due to its support of LGBTQ+ events and DEI initiatives. The public attack led to a backlash from employees and dealerships. 

A Toyota Mirai at a pride event
2023 Toyota Mirai | Toyota

Toyota decided to pull back on inclusion support and activities a week after the calls to boycott started. Also, it’s worth noting that the equality programs were led by employee groups, not Toyota directly. 

Plus, this move was pretty surprising but it shouldn’t be. According to the 19th News, Toyota donated the most to politicians pushing anti-gay bills. 

It donated $601,500 during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles to anti-gay bills. Plus, it donated $150,000 to help Greg Abbot get reelected as the Governor of Texas. 

While it’s unclear if the boycott harmed Toyota’s sales of trucks, SUVs, and cars, it’s clear that conservatives got upset. 

I’ve never considered buying trucks based on company policies and actions before. Typically, I consider price, amenities, reliability, etc. But the fear of losing money can cause a company to make drastic changes.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.