Pride Month is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate their accomplishments, and continue advocating for equality and acceptance. In recent years, numerous brands have stepped up to be strong allies and champions of LGBTQ+ rights, using their advertising campaigns to spread messages of inclusivity. In this blog post, we will explore a few key examples of brands that have excelled in their efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community, from empowering campaigns to long-term initiatives, these brands have set a remarkable precedent in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Nike 'Be True ' Campaign
Nike has long been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and their annual "Be True" campaign during Pride Month is a shining example. This campaign features powerful ads that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while showcasing inclusive products. What sets Nike apart is their tangible support: a portion of the proceeds from their "Be True" collection goes to LGBTQ+ organizations. In 2021 alone, Nike raised over $2.5 million through this campaign, making a real difference in supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
Coach 'Courage To Be Real' Campaign
Coach is not simply slapping a rainbow on luxury purses for Pride; this fashion brand has a genuine and longstanding commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ causes. Through annual Pride collections, partnerships with nonprofits, and generous donations through the Coach Foundation, Coach proves that their support goes beyond surface-level gestures. This year, the Coach Foundation’s “Courage to Be Real” campaign will make donations to the brand’s longstanding LGBTQ partners, including the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Point Foundation and CenterLink to support their work connecting young LGBTQ folks with supportive communities.
Google: Pride Forever
Google has become a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community through their "Pride Forever" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness and provide resources for LGBTQ+ rights and support. As a result, a survey revealed that 74% of respondents viewed Google more favorably due to their LGBTQ+-inclusive ads. This positive perception shows the impact of Google's commitment to diversity and equality.
UGG® Unveils Feel Seen, Feel Heard Campaign
This Pride Month, UGG®, the global lifestyle brand based in Southern California and a division of Deckers Brands, is amplifying its year-round commitment to bring joy and contribute to the LGBTQ+ community's safe-space storytelling. In celebration of Pride Month, UGG® proudly introduces "Feel seen. Feel heard.," a digital-first campaign featuring Davis Burleson from What's Poppin'? With Davis! and other community members. Additionally, UGG® is making a significant impact with a generous $125,000 donation to the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit organization.
UGG® understands that supporting the LGBTQ+ community is not limited to a single month, but a continuous effort. Through their "Feel seen. Feel heard." campaign, they provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of visibility, acceptance, and belonging. The campaign's digital-first approach ensures that these inspiring stories reach a wide audience, sparking empathy and understanding.
Calvin Klein: "Live it Out Campaign"
Calvin Klein, known for pushing boundaries, has launched its captivating new Pride campaign titled "Live It Out." This empowering initiative aims to celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community by encouraging individuals to live their truth and embrace their authentic selves. The "Live It Out" campaign features a diverse cast of LGBTQ2S+ models, activists, and artists who share their personal stories of resilience and self-expression. By showcasing a range of identities and experiences, Calvin Klein is highlighting the beauty and strength of LGBTQ2S+ individuals. With a focus on inclusivity and representation, Calvin Klein's "Live It Out" campaign serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated for who they are.
Spotify: Pride Hub and LGBTQ+ Playlists
Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, launched a dedicated Pride Hub that curates LGBTQ+ playlists and features LGBTQ+ artists and creators. In addition to the Pride Hub, Spotify collaborated with various LGBTQ+ organizations and artists to create exclusive content and podcasts, amplifying diverse voices and experiences. By providing a platform for LGBTQ+ artists and creating inclusive spaces, Spotify shows its dedication to celebrating and supporting the community.
Brooks Creates 'Run Proud' Collection with Queer Activist
Brooks Running is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of its annual Run Proud campaign. This year's collection, expertly curated by talented queer artist and activist Wednesday Holmes, brings a whimsical touch to pastel colorway designs. The captivating lineup includes the vibrant all-over color Ghost 15 sneaker, the empowering "run with pride" Distance Tank 2.0, the crisp white Moment Hat, and the playfully delightful Ghost Crew socks.
Tinder Show Your Pride Stickers
In celebration of Pride, Tinder has today introduced five new profile stickers to give LGBTQ+ members and allies a way to celebrate and connect with each other. They include a ’My First Pride’ profile sticker to help the newest members of the community connect with one another, as well as four other Pride-themed profile badges: ’Came Out Online,’ ’Save Queer Spaces,’ ’Happy Pride’ and ‘Proud Ally.’ Beginning today, Tinder users will see an in-app notification inviting them to add the stickers to their profiles.
During Pride Month and beyond, it is essential to recognize and support brands that authentically champion LGBTQ+ rights. A few of these examples represent brands that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to be strong allies. Their inclusive ad campaigns have not only resonated with consumers but have also made a tangible impact through increased sales, donations to LGBTQ+ organizations, and positive brand perception. By using their platforms to spread messages of acceptance, these brands inspire others to follow suit, creating a more inclusive and supportive world for all.
To further amplify our allyship, let's stay engaged, be loud, and be proud in our support. Let's challenge ourselves to seek out more opportunities to make a difference, whether it's through partnerships, donations, or initiatives that uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community. Connect with our team to learn more about how we are making a difference.