5 Powerful Ways To Celebrate Pride 2021
It’s our favourite time of year again as we get glammed up for celebrations with our LGBTQIA+ family. Whilst Pride may be trending, there are some important things for brands to consider when celebrating. At The Everyday Agency, we proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community every day. Here’s how you can too:
1. Don’t just jump on the bandwagon
Be authentic. Brands that rally throughout June and then drop off in July are only showing their true colours. Remember why we celebrate Pride. When the celebrations are over, the fight for human rights continues. Be part of the movement. Among the first to show unprecedented support for the LGBTQIA+ community were big name brand Levi’s. From employee participation in the inaugural SF AIDS walk in ’87 to ensuring company policies protect their transgender employees. Levi’s know where it’s at.
2. Stand with everyone
The LGBTQIA+ community is an exuberant mixture of every age, race, ability, culture and creed. Recognise the many subsections within the community. Champion other festivals such as Black Pride and LatinX, which also take place in June. Show support to the LGBTQIA+ disabled community in their fight to make Pride accessible. This year Lego have stepped it up with their first LGBTQIA+ tribute set ‘Everyone is Awesome’. Made from the 11 colours inspired by the rainbow flag, the set includes 346 pieces and 11 mini-figures, each with its own hairdo.
3. Do the groundwork
Want to donate? Do your homework and research where your donations would be the most beneficial. Speak to the community. Create marketing campaigns to show support and generate awareness when Pride is no longer trending. When the celebrations are over, keep the conversation going. Absolut Vodka have been avid supporters for more than 35 years. In 2018 they stepped up their game and wrapped two London buses in pride flags with the tag line – All Flavours Welcome. Each bus had an onboard donation system allowing passengers to donate to Stonewall from the back of their seats. Absolut Vodka for all.
4. Diversify your team
Representation within the workplace cultivates an inclusive working environment. Champion your employees and create a safe and judgment-free space where everyone can feel supported. Show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by having zero-tolerance work practices to prevent offensive jokes. Uber are one brand leading the way with UberPride, which focuses explicitly on welcoming LGBTQIA+ members to create an inclusive and diverse working environment. Go Uber!
5. Do use the right language. Don’t be afraid to ask
Using the right language is essential. Educate yourself around the sub-communities of LGBTQIA+ and if you don’t know, ask. Asking for a person’s pronouns is far better than making assumptions and getting them wrong. Fairly new to the scene are underwear brand Parade, founded in 2019. Known for their all-inclusive sizing and sustainable fabrics, they launched their ‘Color outside of the lines’ campaign ahead of Pride celebrations. Directed by West Dakota, this latest collection features an all-queer cast and crew. If that’s not levelling up, someone please tell us what is?!
Pride is the ultimate celebration of liberation, self-expression and love. Yet, to this day, being gay is still considered a crime in some parts of the world. Be a true supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and stand together in the fight for human rights: today and every day.