Belmond’s Post

Some brands even today hesitate to work with creators belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Is inclusivity just a buzzword we’re throwing around? A month ago, I was in conversation with someone for a festive campaign. I pitched an influencer who was a perfect fit for the content ideas we had. Everything looked great until the brand pointed out that they do not want to collaborate with someone representing the LGBTQIA+ community. It took me by surprise that a global brand which caters to everyone and is loved by all would hold such values. On their website, they talk about diversity and inclusion, even having released a global diversity report. It would have been a great opportunity for the brand to foster an environment where everyone feels represented and valued. It's not only about token representation, it's about genuine, meaningful partnerships that resonate with the audience irrespective of an individual’s orientation. This experience makes me think about what I can do, or even what you can do as a professional, to educate brands to inculcate inclusivity and practice what they preach to send out a powerful message of acceptance. 🤍

I read PRWeek's recent article about how some brands are reducing their external Pride campaigns this year amid economic pressures and fears of backlash. As a PR recruiter, I found the piece thought-provoking on comms professionals' challenges in balancing authenticity, principles, and prudent business sense. A few takeaways: Authenticity Matters 💯 The article highlights concerns that some past Pride activations may have been more about hopping on a trend vs. truly living organizational values of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Savvy audiences can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away. Consistency and walking the talk is key for brands. Ethics > Apprehension 💪 While I understand the trepidation some companies feel after seeing the backlash Target and others faced, pulling back LGBTQ+ support solely due to fear sets a concerning precedent. The PR profession must have the courage of its convictions. Don't Confuse Prudence with Prejudice 🕵️ At the same time, scaling back certain external Pride promotions prudently doesn't necessarily equate to prejudice if those budgets are being meaningfully reinvested in LGBTQ+ initiatives that genuinely benefit employees and communities. It's about impact over optics. Ultimately, this presents a defining moment for the PR industry to truly live its values and ethically advise organizations to do what's right - not just what's expedient. 🌈 We can celebrate LGBTQ+ identities with authenticity, backbone and nuance. That's what will ensure our profession's Pride endures. #PRWeek #TWsearchpartners

Happy Pride Month! It’s a tricky time for the LGBTQIA+ community, with many brands scaling back their Pride campaigns… but brands that do are missing opportunities with queer communities. Outvertising recently shared telling data in their latest consumer report: 67% of LGBTQIA+ people are likely to recommend products based on ads, with the number increasing for gen z and decreasing for non-queer people. LGBTQIA+ folk also have been revealed to have a higher expectation for advertising, asking brands to feature real people. They’re an audience that craves authenticity and messaging that resonates with their experiences - as multifaceted, intersectional people. Because brand campaigns shouldn’t be focused on “only” queer communication. Instead brands should communicate authentically, and include LGBTQIA + folk in their comms. This means bringing queer people into campaigns in an authentic and inclusive manner. It means testing with LGBTQIA+ folk, and building up your allyship credentials with the community. It also means sticking to your guns in the unlikely event there is backlash (more Nike than Budlight). We’re in a time where attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ are becoming more negative, brands are in a position where they can help change attitudes and normalise the LGBTQIA + experience - which is a wonderfully powerful place to be this PRIDE month, standing in inclusive allyship. How is your brand celebrating Pride month this year? How are you standing in allyship this Pride? ID: Orange background, white text "Happy PRIDE month!", with the pride stripes in the bottom right corner. #pridemonth2024 #pride #prideMonth #inclusiveBrands #inclusiveMarketing #makingADifference

It was a great honor to be asked to share some thoughts about Pride, coming out, and what great allyship looks like during my keynote address for EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear company.” As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s important for leaders to understand the significance of communicating with the LGBTQ+ community, which makes up 3.5% of the global population and represents a market worth approximately $3.7 trillion. Leaders should consider that employees who hide their identities at work can lose up to 10% of their productivity. My own experience as a closeted news reporter in the 1980s showed me how consuming this fear can be. Empathy goes beyond superficial gestures; it requires understanding and respect for each individual’s unique journey. Avoid making assumptions or using insensitive language. Effective allyship involves being vulnerable, using inclusive language, and genuinely listening to LGBTQ+ colleagues. By fostering an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, we can improve workplace productivity and create a more inclusive and supportive culture for all. Everybody deserves to be treated how you want to be treated. Be confident that if you treat someone as a human being they’ll respond to you as one.

In a world as diverse as ours, it’s about time that brands reflect the beautiful spectrum of humanity! 🌍 ✨ 2024 marks a year where inclusivity isn’t just a trend; it’s a mission. Brands are stepping up, celebrating every color, shape, and story. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all illustrations and generic representations. We're embracing the real, the relatable, and the uniquely beautiful in every person.  From adding more ethnicities and body types to challenging gender norms, our illustrations are becoming a mirror to the world we live in. It’s about seeing yourself in the brands you love and knowing you belong. Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes us who we are, with designs that are as inclusive as they are inspiring. Because when we see each other, really see each other, the world becomes a more connected place.

#Thankfulness #Appreciation #Gratefulness #Acknowledgement #Opportunity   We all keep rising in the ladder & forget the company which help us shape our career .Today I would like to thanks KGS Group (which was Part of Kering Group) where I worked more than 9 years It was the place which I truly believe was home away from home KGS Sourcing (formerly known as Redcats Asia) was created in 1997 and was a part of the Kering Group till 2022, a world leader in apparel and accessories. It provided the best sourcing solutions to customers having sourcing offices in Hong Kong, South China, North China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Euro-Med.The company believed in values of diversity and gender equality, and that favors a healthy work-life balance-It was a safe work place where people  grow and thrives. It has given equal opportunity to all. My Journey started with them in 2005 –grown from the ladder of Sr Merchandiser to DMM within a span of 8 years. Reason of this growth I believe as below  *Diligent work  *Commitment  *Perseverance  *Hard work *Work Principle *Integrity based employment *Team Work *Strategy buildup *Output  This is the company which empowers imagination, gives the authority and let the person bloom to its full potential. I believe company which gives opportunity to grow and flourish with strong value, transperancy, work place recognition are the ones who makes leaders. I am proud employee of this organization which has helped me shape my career. Do write your comment. #Kering #Redcats #Employees #worklifebalance #teambuilding

The only thing that should be kept in the closet is clothes   As we celebrate 28th June is #InternationalPrideDay, we want to strengthen the essence of our culture with a promise: “At IKEA, we work so that there are no closets to come out of.”   Our vision for a better everyday life is rooted in equality. We’re happy to share that 95% of our team members feel IKEA champions diversity and inclusion. 90% feel they can be 100% themselves at IKEA. And we continue working to take these percentages even higher.   Our commitment goes beyond words. We’ve partnered with FELGTBI+ - Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gais, Trans, Bisexuales, Intersexuales y más and their program, Yes We Trans, developed a comprehensive LGTBIQ+ inclusion plan, and continue to educate our teams on embracing every individual’s uniqueness.   At #IKEA, we celebrate every person’s right to love, live, and work, free from closets. Because closets are for the things we cherish, not for hiding our true selves. #inclusion #pride

Embracing Diversity in Brand Representation. This helped brands connect authentically with the LGBTQ+ community. Tokenism is out – real stories are in. Learn how to move beyond tokenism with these insights: ☑ Discover impactful campaigns: 1. Nike's "Be True" – Celebrating LGBTQ+ athletes 2. Skittles' Pride packs – Colorless candies, colorful message 3. Absolut's "Kiss with Pride" – Highlighting historic moments 4. Levi's Pride Collection – Inclusivity in fashion 5. Starbucks' "What's Your Name?" – Supporting trans identities ☑ Understand key elements for authentic representation: 1. Genuine storytelling 2. Diverse casting 3. Inclusive language 4. Community involvement 5. Long-term commitment ☑ Leverage powerful strategies for inclusive marketing: 1. Collaborations with LGBTQ+ creators 2. Supporting LGBTQ+ causes 3. Transparent and honest messaging 4. Consistent representation across platforms ☑ Optimize your brand's approach to inclusion: 1. Internal education and training 2. Inclusive workplace policies 3. Celebrating LGBTQ+ events 4. Listening to LGBTQ+ voices 5. Continuous learning and improvement ☑ Take in top tips for authentic representation: 1. Avoid stereotypes 2. Show, don't tell 3. Engage with the community 4. Be mindful of intersectionality 5. Celebrate diversity year-round ☑ Ensure every campaign respects and uplifts LGBTQ+ experiences. Embrace a strategy that includes: 1. Thoughtful content creation 2. Meaningful partnerships 3. Transparent communication 4. Consistent support for LGBTQ+ rights Save and study this today, to start your journey towards authentic representation tomorrow.

In a world of Targets, be like Walmart, LGBT+ people and their allies are likely saying this #PrideMonth. That's because unlike Target and other retailers that, seemingly owing to enormous political and social pressure, have retreated from their previous support of Pride Month, Walmart has forged ahead with plans to sell Pride-related merch, much of it produced by LGBT+ businesses, artists and designers, as KTLA reports. The massive anti-Pride backlash last year that snagged up brands like Target and Bud Light has likewise not tempered the enthusiasm of retailers like AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC., Converse and Levi Strauss & Co., all of which said they'll move forward with selling Pride-related goods this year, according to Ad Age. Brands that pull back on their support of causes may do so at their peril. Surveys have shown that consumers like doing business with companies that take a stand, and not just when it makes for good PR. LGBT+ consumers and their allies surely won't forget the companies that continued to support the community even when the heat got turned up. #brands #marketing #retail #boycott #controversy #activism #LGBT

#2 Increase Inclusivity and Diversity Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history. They expect the brands they support to embrace diversity and prioritize inclusivity. Your strategy should follow suit and build a brand that demonstrates authentic commitment to these values.