How brands creatively highlight their alliance with LGBTQ+

The true company with LGBTQ+ community does not end up transforming the traditional logo into rainbow-ish brand identity only. Some of the brands below were going greater lengths to make an impact. This Pride month, we introduce the risk-takers who seeked chances for an unforgettable diversity presentation.

Using brand identity to explore more profound meaning, the brands stayed humble and shared the spotlight with LGBTQ+ community.

In the 1st anniversary of same-sex marriage legalization in USA, American Express (AE) showed themselves as an advocate of marriage equality. Although they has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ community, their actions are not widely known. They decided to step down from the focus of credit cards, to accentuate the importance of love and memory.

In 2016, the big idea came from a personal wallet, where it not only includes credit cards, but also photos among them and their beloved ones. The pride of owning an AE card for years was not as big as their 1-year legalized marriage.

Skittles net sales were declining, and so was their placement on supermarket shelves. Pride month 2016 in the UK is their chance to win back their reputation. But Skittles has already been associated with rainbow. How can they join the Gay parade of the year?

They took the biggest risk of the brand history: wiping out their corporate colors. All the Skittles candies went colorless. The intention is fully delivered by an emotional and meaningful letter from them towards Pride month: This Pride only one rainbow mattered.

Brands which adhere with conservative, traditional identity, have more struggle to revitalize themselves with gender diversity. With that saying, some of these brands still managed to break the barriers and reach a new, younger audience.

In the three decades since establishment, PNJ and the apparel industry, in general, always align to the “ideal couple” image. High brand loyalty is one major obstacle to prevent these brands from stepping out of their comfort zone. In the 2018 wedding season, PNJ couples broke free from any standard of occupation, appearance and gender.

According to the NHQuang & Associates research team for the United Nations Development Program, LGBTQ+ love in Vietnam is synonymous with a lack of commitment. They are also assumed to be extravagant in look only. By showing the gay couple wearing casual clothes and rings in a private campfire, PNJ proved the opposite. Simple, realistic yet moving and revolutionary, PNJ appealed to a younger audience and showcased its timeliness in accompanying all the love in this world.

Social media is cool, but what about conventional newspapers? In India, the fear of coming out is obvious, as they can prevent them from their anticipated job, accommodation, even family bonds. Their sexuality can not change the hard-boiled attitude of the older generation. But, what are their media touchpoints? Papers!

In normalising LGBTQ+ representation and giving them equality, Times of India introduced Out & Proud classified sections in India. This was where LGBTQ+ members could write accounts for coming out, asking for help, or anniversary announcement. The paper did its impactful job – reflecting social changes by bringing the community into the mainstream.

Pride month is an endless attempt to reinforce the need for equality. In a year of separation, hardship, doubt; creativity is the key for brands to unite us. And to achieve that key, sincerity and sympathy should never be prioritized less.