OP ED: Love, Lies, and Logos
There is just something about June: the vibrant monarchs in the air, the splashing of water at pool parties, the grill lines on hot dogs at BBQs, and the corporate gluttony and pandering of rainbow logos all over social media and storefront windows manipulating and scheming the LGBTQ community.
It’s June 1st. We know the drill, suddenly everything is gay now. Corporate logos, packaging boxes, store-front window clings, and food and beverage menus are now rainbow-washed. Don’t misunderstand, as a community we stan fun rainbow logos and punny LGBTQ marketing, but simultaneously we must question if these companies are genuinely and tangibly helping the LGBTQ community, or are these loud rainbow logos a manipulative and performative ploy on our sexualities and gender identities, leading to the success in overflowing revenue and support for our political extinguishment, exile, and literal demise?
FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR TRANSACTION!
From beauty and body brands to fashion staples created for everybody, there are rainbow-logo brands that partner with key LGBTQ organizations beyond Pride Month. These trailblazing companies recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and accepting society. Below is a list of pioneer companies that advocate, protect, celebrate, and normalize the LGBTQ community year-round.
1) Oracle: Oracle is a computer technology corporation that consistently creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ employees to not only feel a sense of community but also by using their unique perspective to contribute to the company. Through the employee resource group, “Oracle Pride Employee Network” employees are able to participate in networking events that raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues. Oracle also offers mental health services to all employees as well as their families at no cost because the overall well-being of their employees is essential.
2) Converse: Converse is a beloved shoe brand infamous for its iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Converse has been releasing extensive Pride collections for nearly a decade. With the earnings from the collections, Converse has donated over $1,000,000.00 to various LGBTQ organizations and nonprofits. Converse views its products as a social commitment to diversity and inclusion. Internally, Converse offers numerous employee resource groups, support groups, and networking opportunities for its LGBTQ and allies associates. Additionally, Converse provides training and educational programs on diversity and inclusion to promote respect for all employees and customers.
3) Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream: This zesty ice cream brand is known for its creative product names, especially during Pride Month. An example of this is B&J’s traditional ice cream product, “Chubby Hubby” which was changed to be called “Hubby Hubby” to show support for gay marriage. B&J has partnered with countless worldwide LGBTQ organizations to support their work of advocacy, case management, counseling, and civil rights. Additionally, B&J has implemented inclusive employment practices that specifically support their LGBTQ employees by permanently providing equal benefits like maternal/paternal leave regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or gender.
4) Visa: Visa is a global payment technology company that is aggressively active in supporting the United Nations Standards for LGBTQ people, which ensures inclusive practices in the workplace. Visa also joined Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act, which is a group of businesses that tirelessly work hard to see progressive federal legislation for LGBTQ people be passed.
5) MAC Cosmetics: MAC Cosmetics is a makeup brand offering a wide range of quality beauty products. Trailblazing the makeup field since 1984, MAC Cosmetics has been a massive supporter and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Through its Viva Glam program, the brand has raised more than $500,000,000.00 for organizations that serve the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ community.
6) Pepper: Pepper is a bra company that uplifts women, especially women of trans experience by providing bras that fit correctly to help combat body dysmorphia. Pepper has donated over 12,000 bras to various organizations each year. Pepper partners with Ali Forney Center, which is a non-profit that provides shelter, support, and services for homes LGBTQ youth.
7) Youth To The People: is a science-based skincare brand that believes it is crucial to celebrate Pride 365 days a year. Instead of releasing gimmicky Pride collections in June, Youth To The People donates over $100,000.00 to To The Future Fund, which supports organizations like GLSEN and National Center for Transgender Equality that empowers LGBTQ youth.
8) Coach: Coach is a luxury handbag brand that has been supporting global philanthropic LGBTQ initiatives for nearly two decades. Coach partners with Hetrick-Martin Institute, Point Foundation, and CenterLink Community of LGBTQ Centers to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth. Coach has aided in launching a digital support tool for LGBTQ teens called Imi, which helps queer teens explore their identity and support their mental health.
9) Abercrombie & Fitch: Abercrombie & Fitch is an apparel retailer that has an ongoing partnership with The Trevor Project. Abercrombie and Fitch have co-created inclusive collections with The Trevor Project which features hoodies, body fragrances, tops, and more. To date, Abercrombie & Fitch has raised over $3,000,000.00 for The Trevor Project.
10) Savage X Fenty: Savage X Fenty is a lingerie brand created by popstar, Rhianna. Savage X Fenty creates inclusive lingerie and other bold pieces that can be worn by anyone and everyone. Savage X Fenty donates to numerous organizations throughout the year like GLAAD and For The Gworls, which raises money to help black transgender people pay for their rent, gender-affirming surgeries, mental health care, and more.
ABOUT FACE AND ABORT MISSION!
As the world becomes more accepting and inclusive of the LGBTQ community, many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of Pride Month. However, not all companies are genuine in their support, and some are known to engage in discriminatory practices against the community. Here are some of the worst companies to financially support during Pride Month and why:
1) Chick-fil-A: This fast-food chain has a long history of supporting anti-LGBTQ causes. The company’s founder has openly opposed same-sex marriage, and the company has donated millions of dollars to organizations that promote anti-LGBTQ agendas. Although the company has attempted to improve its image by distancing itself from these causes, queer people still view Chick-fil-A as an unsupportive and even hostile company towards the LGBTQ community.
2) ExxonMobile: ExxonMobile is another company with a long history of anti-LGBTQ practices. The company has been condemned for its avoidance of diversity in hiring and for its refusal to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy. Additionally, the company has opposed efforts to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace.
3) Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is a charity organization that how comes under fire for its anti-LGBTQ policies. The organization has a history of discriminating against LGBTQ individuals, and its leadership has made public statements opposing same-sex marriage and adoption by same-gender couples. The Salvation Army has also been accused of forcing LGBTQ individuals to undergo conversion therapy.
4) Hobby Lobby: Hobby Lobby is a craft store chain that has been criticized for its anti-LGBTQ practices. The company’s founder has made public statements opposing gay marriage, and the company has attempted to deny its employees access to birth control on religious grounds. Hobby Lobby has also been implicated in gross discrimination against “outed” transgender employees.
5) Barilla: Barilla is a pasta company that has faced condemnation for its anti-LGBTQ practices. The company’s chairman has made numerous public comments dissenting against gay marriage and adoption by same-gender couples. The company has also been accused of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in its hiring practices.
6) Urban Outfitters: Urban Outfitters is a clothing store chain that has been under scrutiny for promoting homophobia and transphobia. The company has faced backlash for selling merchandise that mocks LGBTQ individuals and for using offensive language in its marketing campaigns. Additionally, Urban Outfitters‘ founder has been vocal about opposing gay marriage.
7) Wendy’s: Wendy’s is a fast-food chain that has faced criticism for its lack of support for the LGBTQ community. The company has been blamed for not including sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy and for not offering domestic partner benefits for its queer employees.
8) Wal-Mart: Wal-Mart is a retail giant that has been criticized for its anti-LGBTQ practices. The company has been accused of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in its hiring routine and for not offering domestic partner benefits to its queer employees. Additionally, the company has opposed efforts to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. I know we all love discounted goods but is saving 25 cents on a box of cereal worth the continuous marginalization outside of Pride Month?
9) Comcast: Comcast is a telecommunication and media conglomerate that has donated more than $1,000,000.00 to anti-LGBTQ politicians since 2019. Comcast has also donated more than $30,000.00 to the sponsors of anti-trans legislation in Florida and Texas.
We are queer 365 days a year, not just for June when we toss our hard-earned money at rainbow logos. As a community, we need to be paying close attention to all Pride campaigns during Pride Month, not just the ones that are punny, humorous, or rainbow-colored cute. Several dangerous companies slap a rainbow logo on their social media and wave the Pride Flag in front of the LGBTQ community during June but donate millions of dollars to our downfall in private. We know that come July 1st, these companies and their so-called “Pride” campaigns will go back to “business as usual” practices and the delusional surface-level LGBTQ support goes back into the attic, waiting for the dust to be blown off next year. The promising news is there is a variety of companies that celebrate Pride all year and tangibly strengthen LGBTQ year-round. Financially supporting companies that advocate for the LGBTQ community all year is crucial because it helps advance equality, inclusion, and social responsibility. Spending our rainbow dollar bills on inclusive companies creates positive impacts on society, is a beacon of encouragement for other companies to follow suit, supports the LGBTQ workforce and clientele, and helps fight against discrimination and bigotry.
The rainbow logos are cute. The gay gimmicky brand rhetoric is clever. The rainbow logos you give patron to in June will either progressively create an equal and fair world or terminate our rights to exist as we are.
