Hey there! This post contains affiliate links. Using my links means I earn a commission, which helps me create more rad content. More on affiliates here.
I don’t think I went in 2014, either?
I think my last Pride was in 2013.
Which, if you know me, is pretty weird. I love going to drag shows (dollar bills prepped), make an effort to buy from queer business owners, regularly get in debates about LGBTQ+ politics, but like —
I don’t really feel like Pride is *for me*, ya know? Like, it’s hot, there are Facebook and CocaCola floats and…
One of those reasons is because I see such a stark disconnect, especially from white cis gays, on what Pride is about. For example, folks getting angry over “getting political” at pride, when all they want to do is take cute selfies with dogs in rainbow tutus.
And, while driving with my femme bestie today, I had FOUR Spotify ads from a U.S. Bank bragging about their work with the Human Rights Campaign. Which, if you’ve been around for a minute, you would know many folks in LGBTQ+ community have mAjoR iSsUEs with the HRC, for shitty racist and transphobic practices.
**Ahem.** Anyways, not trying to devolve into a HRC rant-post. But if you do want one, you should check out this page.
But, as a Business Gay™, I get that (just like any other group) businesses want to market to queer and LGBT people. So let’s discuss **how** to actually do that, and avoid blow-ups and crisis comms management:
Preface: Pride is Political
Something I’ve seen (especially in the last few years), is companies offering Pride merch and sponsoring Pride – the same way they do July 4th or Easter campaigns.
Think of Pride like Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). It would be gross to make a big deal out of BCAM, but fail to partner with non-profits and tell survivor stories.
Your Pride campaigns *must* include social good efforts and individual stories.
#1 Pride Marketing Tip: INCLUDE THE “T” in “LGBT”
Okay, y’all, enough with the “including a white gay male couple” in ads. We get it. You like gay people.
But do you like trans people? Non-binary people?
Try something truly innovative, and include trans people in your campaigns. Use “they/their” pronouns in the scripts of your commercials.
“According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 55% of all reported LGBT homicide victims were transgender women, and 50% were transgender women of color. Furthermore, in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 78% transgender/gender non-conforming students in grades K-12 experienced harassment, while 35% experienced physical assault and 12% experienced sexual violence.” (GLAAD)
55% of all reported LGBT homicide victims were transgender women.
Show that you’re really serious about supporting the LGBT community, by supporting our most vulnerable family members.
#2 Pride Marketing Tip: Donate to SMALL Grassroots LGBT Non-Profits
The HRC gets a LOT of donations. It’s kind of like the RedCross of LGBT non-profits. When disaster strikes, it’s actually much better to donate to smaller orgs doing impactful work that can be measured, over the big kids on the block.
Don’t know who to donate to? Ask your LGBT employees who *they* give their money to. I’ll bet my money that it’s not the HRC.
Don’t know who to donate to? Ask your LGBT employees who *they* give their money to. I’ll bet my money that it’s not the HRC.
Also, while we’re at it — maybe try spending your ad money on websites that LGBTQ+ folks check daily, like Autostraddle.com. You know, market to the people where they hang out.
Just an idea.
#3 Pride Marketing Tip: Rely on Word of Mouth Marketing
This is true when backing any non-profit. **Don’t** pull a Wells Fargo a la Spotify and brag about donating money. This will simply make community members go, “Oh yeah? And how much did you spend to brag about donating?”
Instead, have the org you donate to put up a “Thank you!” on their social media channels and website, or a banner with your logo at events. WoM is still the HBIC, and can work against you (sorry not sorry, Wells Fargo).
#4 Pride Marketing Tip: Don’t “Put a Rainbow” on It
“Rainbow washing” is to the LGBTQ+ community what “pink washing” is to breast cancer survivors.
Also, before donating — make sure your org treats LGBT employees the same as heterosexual ones. Do you offer equal paid parental leave for LGBT couples? Does your insurance company cover hormone therapy/surgery costs for trans folks?
If not, direct your money there first.
#5 Pride Marketing Tip: Tell Individual Stories
Instead of relying on tropes of the LGBTQ+ community, tell individual stories. Spotlight families (chosen and nuclear), as well as small businesses and specific communities with a city.
Because, right now, you’re pandering is annoying AF.
Want more marketing advice? Check out my consulting website here, and let’s set up a time to chat. Have thoughts on how companies can best support the LGBT community? Let’s tweet about it!
More of an email kind of person? Subscribe to my list here!
What to Read Next
Looking for more politically focused posts to read? Here are a few I’ve written!
TY for reading!
If you want to stay connected I recommend joining me on your favorite social media platform (Instagram, TikTok & Twitter).
More of an email kind of person? Subscribe here!
