Pride Month has a rich culture behind why we celebrate, and our favourite brands are doing some amazing work in getting people talking about queer issues and in celebrating the impact that LGBTQ+ people have in the world!
Here are some top notch examples of brands who are making a difference to the LGBTQ+ community and are proud to be packing a punch this pride…
1. ‘Claim Your Space’ Spotify’s Pride Campaign
Do you have any Pride Party anthems that spring to mind? Ready for some new ones?
Spotify is partnering with LGBTQ+ musicians to shine a spotlight on their talents, showcasing several artists in month-long activations – both online and in person. Artists such as Hayley Kiyoko, Big Freedia and Fancy Hagood are all included (you may not have heard of them yet, but Spotify will have you clued up before the end of Pride!)
2. Unilever
Tourmaline, an activist and black transgender film-maker is working with Unilever to bring change to five cities that are most challenging for LGBTQ+ people to live in: Monroe, Louisiana; Moore, Oklahoma; Clemson, South Carolina; Florence, Alabama; and Cape Girardeau Missouri. These have all failed the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive laws, policies and services are to LGBTQ+ people.
3. Converse’s Colourful Pride Collection
Converse is becoming more iconic each year with its stunning rainbow themed collection. Since releasing its first Pride collection in 2015, Converse has donated more than $1.3 million in support of local and global LGBTQ+ organisations, such as the Ali Forney Center, BAGLY and OUT MetroWest. Its Limited Edition Rainbow Collection is more popular every year and shoe lovers can even design their own shoes, choosing from flowery to space designs, with the option of the classic rainbow soles and laces.
4. MEPC – P for Pride?
Being a leading name in UK commercial property for more than 70 years, MEPC has already made a name for itself in creating a buzzing community for its customers and Pride month is no exception. They have a rich LGBTQ+ knowledge that is shared on its website and its Pride events always give back to charities that help LGBTQ+ individuals feel more valued in the workplace. “Promoting diversity and equality for all can help to make employees feel happier at work. We all want to feel respected in the workplace!”
https://www.wellingtonplace.co.uk/blog/pride-month-embracing-pride-in-the-workplace/
5. Virgin Pride Radio
Virgin Radio is launching Virgin Radio Pride UK which will span their summer holding events across the country to highlight queer artists. The core programming will address important issues in the LGBTQ+ community, shining a light on these matters. We are promised the exciting lineup will make us laugh, cry and above all – be proud!
What Queer People Think About Pride Marketing
Don’t rainbow wash your windows!
If a brand decides to support the LGBTQ+ community it is important to bear in mind that without real meaning and purpose, campaigns can fall flat and leave a lasting bad image on the company.
Before launching a Pride campaign, it is worth considering how your campaign will affect LGBTQ+ people in need directly and work from that goal. The difference between supporting an LGBTQ+ charity and waving a pride flag could be life changing to those in need, and by supporting queer artists and queer talents we can celebrate making the world a safer and more accepting place.
The best way to support Pride from a business and personal point of view is to always be an advocate. This doesn’t mean you have to be really over the top with your support and campaigns, as long as your actions are fully representative and consistently supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re doing a great job!
Have any brands impacted your thoughts on Pride this year?
We would love to find out more. Pop over to our Twitter or LinkedIn pages and share your thoughts!