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Embracing Diversity: Brands That Support the LGBTQ Community
The world we live in today is more diverse than ever before, and as society continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly important for brands to embrace diversity and inclusivity. One community that has gained incredible visibility and support in recent years is the LGBTQ community. With their fight for equality and acceptance, the LGBTQ community has paved the way for a more inclusive world, and many brands have recognised the significance of supporting this community.
In this blog post, we will explore the inspiring stories of brands that support the LGBTQ community, going beyond mere tokenism and truly embracing diversity. These brands understand that supporting the LGBTQ community is not just about marketing or capturing a niche market; it’s about being on the right side of history and standing up for what is right. By aligning themselves with the LGBTQ community, these brands are sending a powerful message of acceptance, love, and equality. From fashion and beauty to technology and food and beverage, we will delve into a wide range of industries to discover the brands that support the LGBTQ community. Embracing diversity is not just a trend; it’s the future, and these brands are leading the way. Discover how they have used their influence to create positive change and find out how you can support them in making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.
The Importance of Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
When brands prioritise diversity, they send a powerful message that everyone is welcome and valued. This not only helps build a positive brand image but also attracts a wider customer base. People want to support brands that align with their values, and by embracing diversity, brands can tap into new markets and connect with diverse communities.
While it’s important for brands to show support for the LGBTQ community, it’s equally important for them to do so authentically. Tokenism is when brands make superficial gestures without truly understanding or advocating for the cause they claim to support
Authentic support means going beyond rainbow-coloured logos during Pride month or featuring LGBTQ individuals in advertisements. It means actively engaging with the LGBTQ community throughout the year and taking meaningful actions to promote equality. For example, LuvJus Drinks released LuvHats, which donate 100% of profits all year round to LGBTQ+ charities. This shows that the brand has a continued dedication to the LGBTQ+ community.
LuvHat
Velour Trucker Hat. 100% of profits go to LGBTQ+ charities. This snapback trucker hat features a velvet front, breathable mesh rear, and an adjustable snapback panel. 100% of profits are donated to Stonewall Housing. Stonewall Housing works to ensure LGBTQ+ people live in safer homes, free from fear, and where they can celebrate their identity…
Brands That Go Beyond Tokenism: Why Authentic Support Matters
Brands that authentically support the LGBTQ community understand the importance of long-term commitment. They invest in initiatives that empower LGBTQ individuals, such as scholarships or mentorship programs. They also collaborate with LGBTQ organisations to create positive change on a larger scale.
Authentic support is not just about boosting sales or gaining positive PR; it’s about making a genuine difference in the lives of LGBTQ individuals. By going beyond tokenism, brands can build trust and loyalty among the LGBTQ community and society as a whole.
Below are the brands we think best support the LGBTQ+ community, whether it be through donation, product lines and advocating for members the LGBTQ+ community
LuvJus Drinks
Award winning alcoholic sodas which are bursting full of refreshing flavour. 100% NATURAL, VEGAN with NO ADDED SUGAR OR PRESERVATIVES. With an abundance of fruit juice and a dash of vodka, the drinks are light, sparkling and packed full of flavour. Inclusivity is at the core of LuvJus. Inspired by the global Pride movement, 5% of profits are donated to LGBTQ+ charities and initiatives
Mac Cosmetics
Since initiating its inaugural Viva Glam campaign back in 1994, MAC has been instrumental in raising over $500 million in the global battle against HIV/AIDS. This substantial sum has been directed toward funding 9,713 grants, benefiting more than 1,800 pioneering programs and organisations worldwide. MAC is now taking its commitment even further by extending its support to marginalised groups, with a particular focus on young women, girls, and the LGBTQ community. Notably, the entire purchase price of its Viva Glam lipsticks, priced at £17.50, will be channeled into initiatives dedicated to aiding these communities.
Kelzo Jewellery
Founded by Kelly and Zoey during lockdown who create quirky, kitsch and queer jewellery and consider themselves to be queens of the rainbow, with a vast selection of our jewellery focusing on the rainbow Pride flags 🌈
They have a permanent Pride Collection, from which we donate 10% of profits to LGBTQ+ charities.
Coach
Turning our attention to Coach, there’s more uplifting news. Building upon their remarkable history of contributing over £50 million to LGBTQ+ focused initiatives, the brand is maintaining its collaboration with the Hetrick-Martin Institute to provide ongoing support to queer and transgender youth
Queer Beer
An authentically LGBTQ+ beer brand all year round who send a direct donation of 20p to their LGBTQI+ charity partners with every beer purahase. No corporate jargon, no percentage of profits, just a bold and powerful statement of support for the community we love.
They have been able to fund hundreds of self-test HIV kits and materials for anti-bullying workshops in schools,
help answer calls offering support and advice to our community and so much more.
Levi’s
Levi’s remains dedicated to its commendable commitment to the broader community. This includes the creation of Pride-themed collections, organising diverse events that showcase LGBTQ+ artists, and consistently contributing annual donations of $100,000 or more to charitable causes, such as Outright International, a non-governmental organisation focused on combating human rights abuses related to gender and sexuality.
Brighton Gin
Brighton gin is not only vegan, sustainably made and delicious, but it was also created by Kathy Caton who is a huge advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community
Furthermore, it does limited edition bottle for pride each year as well as supporting LGBTQ+ charities through many events and activities
Partnering with LGBTQ Organisations: Collaboration for Change
Collaboration between brands and LGBTQ organisations is a powerful way to drive positive change. By partnering with established organisations, brands can leverage their resources, expertise, and reach to make a meaningful impact on LGBTQ rights.
Brands that support the LGBTQ community actively seek out partnerships with organisations that align with their values. These collaborations can take various forms, such as sponsoring events, funding research projects, or participating in advocacy campaigns.
Through these partnerships, brands not only contribute financially but also lend their influence to amplify important messages. By working together, they can create a united front against discrimination and promote inclusivity on a larger scale.
A great example of brands supporting the LGBTQ community is LuvJus’ partnership with Opening Doors Charity for their new series Queers through the Years. Opening Doors is the only dedicated national charity connecting LGBTQ+ people over 50 with activities, events, support and information. We were lucky enough to sit down with some of their members to hear what it was like to be gay and how it has changed in the last 50 years. The first interview realised is with Claude, who opened up about what he had been through growing up gay.
The Power of Brand Influence: Inspiring Positive Change
Brands have immense influence over consumer behaivor and societal norms. By using their platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights, they can inspire positive change and challenge harmful stereotypes.
Brands that support the LGBTQ community have the power to shape public opinion and break down barriers. They can challenge outdated beliefs, promote acceptance, and encourage conversations about diversity and inclusivity.
Through their marketing campaigns, these brands showcase diverse representations of love, relationships, and identities. They use their influence to normalise LGBTQ experiences and foster empathy among their audience.
A great example of a campaign like this is Calvin Klein’s ‘Let It Out’ Campaign, celebrating the “collective euphoria at the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Brandon Flynn and Amandla Stenberg who featured in this campaign align perfectly with the brand’s message. Brandon Flynn, who is openly gay, consistently advocates for equality and acceptance through his social media platforms. Similarly, Amandla Stenberg, who came out as gay in 2018, brings an extra layer of acceptance and education to this already beautiful campaign with her open and candid discussions about life as a queer woman for Calvin Klein. This is a perfect example of brands that support the LGBTQ community.
Calvin Klein is inspiring people to stand up for “trans youth” and demonstrate unwavering support. In recent years, there has been a disturbing surge in transphobia. However, Calvin Klein’s pertinent and socially aware marketing endeavours aim to reshape public perceptions and promote unity.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity as the Future of Branding and Society
The world is becoming increasingly diverse, and embracing this diversity is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Brands that support the LGBTQ community understand this fact and have taken bold steps towards inclusivity.
These brands serve as role models for others in the industry by going beyond tokenism and authentically supporting the LGBTQ community. They create inclusive spaces in various industries such as food and beverage, fashion, technology, and more.
If you want to be a part of this movement towards a more inclusive future, support brands that support the LGBTQ community. Together, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels accepted for who they are.