OutFront Minnesota’s Post

Follow these tips to learn more about LGBTQ issues and how you can be an advocate for equal rights year-round!

#Pride is less than a month away, and once again the haters have ramped up their campaign against businesses such as Target from selling Pride merchandise, and one again some of my fellow members of the #LGBTQ community are complaining about these companies apparently backing down from the haters. My question to those members of the LGBTQ community who complain about #Target and other companies shifting their policies towards selling Pride merchandise is what should a publicly traded company do to protect it's employees and property from some Trumpanzee wearing a MAGA hat two sizes too small so it doesn't cover the point on their head from potentially causing harm to their employees or property? Do you really expect a Target employee who's paid minimum wage to stand up to and possibly take a punch or worse by some attention seeking knuckle dragger who's recording their stomping a styrofoam Pride display just so they can get some views on YouTube? The responsible answer to my question is "NO!" One solution to the problem which I am suggesting to the LGBTQ community who want to purchase Pride merchandise from a business which is trying to deal with haters while both protecting their employees and property, as well as showing some support by offering Pride merchandise is, if possible, purchase Pride merchandise from the business's web site if it is offered. To that end here is the URL to Pride merchandise being offered by Target: https://lnkd.in/g7a8AzCi You can also purchase Pride merchandise from local businesses as well, to show your support of their supporting Pride. While you may not be too happy with the solution I am proposing you can take some joy from the fact it is a potential solution the haters, and it helps keep hardworking employees safe from harm, and more importantly it sends a message to the haters that they can't stop Pride or keep the LGBTQ community from celebrating Pride. I may or may not get some negative remarks from other members of the LGBTQ (or trolls pretending to be members of the LGBTQ community 😉 ), but I take pride in offering a solution to keeping Pride safe, and to show the haters the LGBTQ community can out whit them without too much effort. PS: Also consider that complaining about companies like Target shifting their policies regarding Pride is also what the haters want. PPS: Hate is bad for #business. Stand up to it or find ways around it. #LGBTQCommunity #AcceptanceMatters #NoToHate

"While celebrating Pride and advocating for equality, it’s also crucial to plan for the future. Here’s where the importance of estate planning comes into play, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and families." Read more on Hilary Topper's New York Lifestyle Blog! https://lnkd.in/g6nkz_AK #pride #celebratepride #estateplanning #LGBTQIA

This year, #pride seems to be a bit less colorful than in years past; as states implement restrictions on DEI programming and cut funds for such programming at corporations, universities, and offices, being a proud ally or celebrating the LGBTQ+ community feels more defiant than it has in recent years. However, even in this climate, some major companies have created campaigns that feel modern, relevant, and impactful. Read our latest blog post, highlighting some of our favorite #advertising campaigns to come out of #Pride2024. https://lnkd.in/eG8Xpdr9

"Skittles- WHEN YOU FIND YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR COLORS SHINE" <Campaign> Pride Packs <Why this campaign Works> Skittles has been known for its vibrant and colorful candies, but each year during Pride Month, they take a different approach by removing the colors from their candies, turning them monochromatic gray. This campaign is designed to emphasize that only one rainbow matters during Pride, which is the rainbow of the Pride flag. - Collaboration with LGBTQIA+ Artists  Skittles partners with artists from the LGBTQIA+ community, giving them a platform to showcase their art on the Pride Packs. This not only highlights the artists' work but also shows Skittles' commitment to supporting the community. - Supporting GLAAD Skittles donates a portion of the profits from the Pride Packs to GLAAD, an LGBTQIA+ organization, further showing their support and commitment to the community. <Success Metrics> - Social Media Engagement  Over 18,000 people posted more than 20,000 mentions related to Skittles, Pride Month, and the LGBTQIA+ community during the campaign. - Positive Moods The campaign has been well-received, with nearly 90% of sentiment-categorized mentions being positive. - Increased Awareness  The campaign not only raises awareness about Pride but also involves the community directly, creating a sense of authenticity and genuine support. <POV> In my opinion, Skittles' Pride Packs campaign is a great example of how inclusive marketing can be both powerful and meaningful. By stripping away their iconic rainbow colors and turning their candies monochromatic gray during Pride Month, Skittles makes a bold visual statement that the only rainbow that matters during this time is the Pride rainbow. This simple yet impactful gesture underscores the brand's solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in a visually compelling way. Skittles takes it a step further by collaborating with LGBTQ+ artists, showcasing their art on the Pride Packs. One of the most commendable aspects of this campaign is Skittles' commitment to giving back. By donating a portion of the profits from the Pride Packs to GLAAD, they are not just paying lip service to inclusivity but are actively supporting an organization that works tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights. From a marketing perspective, this approach is brilliant because it combines powerful visuals, community engagement, and tangible support. It raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging. Overall, Skittles' Pride Packs campaign demonstrates how brands can make a positive difference through thoughtful and inclusive marketing strategies. <Conclusion> Skittles' Pride Packs campaign successfully combines creative visual elements with a strong message of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Moxie Garrett https://lnkd.in/euaEgCQi Happy Pride 🌈🌈 #LGBTQ+ #SeeTheRainbow #skittles

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. You’ll see logos across a number of organisations opt to change to a rainbow version…it’s pointless and unnecessary 🤷🏻♂️ Pride Month isn’t just about the Pride Month flags, the LGBTQ+ Pride Month facts or Pride Month resources because LGBTQ+ inclusion takes place 365 days of the year. At Bradford at Night, we do everything we can to make sure our network has a reputation of inclusivity and acceptance, and that people associate that with our normal logo, year-round. Pride is not just a celebration. Although it is an important to time to celebrate the progress that has been made across legislation, attitudes and behaviours, it is also a continued protest. June 1970, marked the first anniversary since the uprising at New York’s Stonewall Inn. Since then, the parades have also been a sign of fighting for liberation, visibility and equality. In the UK, particularly up until the repeal of Section 28 in 2003, Pride had a more protest feel than a parade. The Pride Month meaning remains the same and is a time for people within the community, and their allies, to celebrate successes in LGBTQ+ inclusion, but it is also a time for reflection. 𝐒𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 - 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟑𝟔𝟓 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫…

Have you heard about the 'Be Who You Want To Be' initiative yet? Marking a significant step towards creating an LGBTQ+ friendly village within the town centre, it underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to express their true selves without fear of discrimination or prejudice. It aims to build upon the existing concentration of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments within the BID, particularly in areas such as Queen Street, Springfield Road, Dickson Road, and Lord Street. Rather than confining individuals to a specific neighbourhood, its mantra emphasises the freedom for everyone to embrace their authentic selves. Since the initiative was first unveiled last August, there has been positive changes in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there is still work to be done, which is why we are pleased to see the collaboration between the business community, council, arts groups, and other stakeholders in supporting this big step for Blackpool. With approximately 15 LGBTQ+ bars and numerous LGBTQ+ friendly guesthouses in Blackpool, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents and visitors. https://lnkd.in/eHYSMDMY #Blackpool #BlackpoolBID #WeAreBlackpoolBID #BlackpoolImprovementDistrict #BlackpoolBusiness

Happy Pride Month! Every year, June is our opportunity to celebrate, honor, commemorate, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We take a moment to reflect on the past. We pay tribute. We spend time in community with each other. We dance! We remember that each one of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or identity, is worthy of #belonging. So where do we start the celebration? There are so many impactful (and fun) ways to celebrate #Pride. Here are my top three ways to get involved this month: 1. Get Out There: Be a part of your community. Support your local Pride events. Attend fundraisers, parades, marches, and festivals. Donate your time or money. Write your local legislators. Get involved. And read books! 2. Gain Local Knowledge: Do you know the history of Pride Month where you live? What are some of the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in your town or city? What are the some of the issues currently being faced right in your backyard? We need to all be better educated because knowledge is key to change. 3. Be an Ally: Stand in solidarity, whether you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an #ally. Use your voice and privilege to always speak up. While going to events and celebrations is always a great time, keep in mind that this month is about the fight for #equality, justice, and the right to be who you are. Let's embrace this spirit of diversity and inclusion during Pride Month and beyond. Because when we do, we create spaces where we can all be free to live authentically and thrive. Because love is love, is love, is love. Happy Pride! 🌈

June is a powerful month. Not only is it the start of summer vacation, but also the month when we recognize Juneteenth and Pride (also it's the birthday month of my only nephew and niece- proud Titi 😊). This is a crucial time for companies to step up and not just see these events as days off or to celebrate, but as opportunities to reinforce their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As we know, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also a day that should remind us all of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Similarly, we celebrate Pride in June to honor the LGBTQ+ community, but also should shine the light on the continued struggle for equal rights and acceptance. How Can Companies Meaningfully Recognize These Events? 1. Educate and Raise Awareness: - Host educational workshops and webinars about the history and significance of Juneteenth and Pride. - Share resources and stories that amplify Black and LGBTQ+ voices. 2. Celebrate and Show Support: - Organize virtual or in-person events to celebrate cultural and identity milestones. -Encourage employees to participate in local or virtual Pride and Juneteenth events. 3. Volunteer and Give Back: - Partner with local organizations focused on racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights for volunteer opportunities. - Offer paid volunteer days for employees to engage in community service related to these causes. 4. Foster Inclusive Work Environments: - Review and update company policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of all employees. - Establish or support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Black and LGBTQ+ employees. 5. Continuous Improvement in DEI Practices: - Conduct regular DEI training and make it an integral part of the corporate culture.Implement mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups within the company. - Commit to diverse hiring practices and create pathways for career advancement for all employees. Recognizing Juneteenth and Pride Month is more than just a moment - so take the time to learn, do more and do better. #Juneteenth #Pride #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #Advocacy

### Celebrating Pride ALL YEAR: ✨🏳️🌈 Hey friends! There's something powerful about seeing businesses show up for Pride. Whether it's a local bakery whipping up some colorful treats or big companies showcasing their support, it feels good to know our community isn't just seen, but celebrated. Now, I know there's talk about whether businesses are genuinely supportive or if they're just sporting rainbows for the trend. It’s like when you're picking teams in gym class – everyone wants the popular kid on their team, right? But what really matters is businesses that stick around, even after the month is over. Those who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk – they're the real MVPs. Connecting with my community is something I hold dear, and it's heartwarming when businesses do too. It's not just about slapping a rainbow on products; it's the ongoing support, the year-round commitment, and the true understanding of what Pride means. This is what we aim for at Supergay Spirits. Queer-owned and proud, our values align with the spirit of inclusivity and authenticity that Pride represents. We’re here not only during the glittery parade of Pride month but in every season. It's about creating a space where everyone can be their fabulous selves and feel a little bit more at home. 🥂 If you want to read more about how businesses are getting involved during Pride, check out this cool article I found. It's a good read, really opens up the conversation, and kind of reminds me of what we're all about. Keep shining, keep loving, and remember, the best way to celebrate Pride is by being unapologetically you. And isn't that something to toast to? Take a peek at the article here: [Insert Article Link] 🌈 P.S. - If you're curious about how our spirit resonates with the colors of the rainbow, drift over to supergayspirits.com and discover a community that clinks glasses in the name of love, all year long.https://buff.ly/46PuSso cool LGBTQ businesses to shop this Pride Month - Mashable