Pride Month is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time for businesses to reflect on their own commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Here are some tips for businesses on how to avoid pink washing and show their true support for the LGBTQ+ community:
- Be authentic. Don’t just slap a rainbow on your logo and call it a day. Take the time to learn about the LGBTQ+ community and what Pride Month means to them. Make sure your messaging is authentic and comes from a place of genuine support.
- Be inclusive. Make sure your products and services are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. This could mean things like offering gender-neutral bathrooms, creating marketing materials that feature LGBTQ+ people, or donating to LGBTQ+ charities.
- Be supportive. Use your platform to speak out against discrimination and promote equality. This could mean things like signing a pledge to support LGBTQ+ rights, donating to LGBTQ+ organisations, or speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
What is pink washing?
Pink washing is the act of using LGBTQ+ imagery or symbols to promote a product or service without actually supporting the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a form of greenwashing, which is when businesses make false or misleading claims about their environmental practices.
How to avoid pink washing
There are a few things businesses can do to avoid pink washing:
- Do your research. Make sure you understand what pink washing is and how to avoid it. There are plenty of resources available online that can help you learn more.
- Be transparent. Be clear about your company’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. If you don’t have a strong stance, don’t try to pretend you do.
- Don’t just slap a rainbow on your logo. If you’re going to use LGBTQ+ imagery, make sure it’s done in a way that’s respectful and meaningful.
- Support LGBTQ+ organisations. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Donate to LGBTQ+ organisations or volunteer your time.
How to show your true support for LGBTQ+ Pride
Here are a few ways businesses can show their true support for LGBTQ+ Pride:
- Donate to LGBTQ+ organisations.
- Volunteer your time to LGBTQ+ organisations.
- Create marketing materials that feature LGBTQ+ people.
- Offer gender-neutral bathrooms.
- Sign a pledge to support LGBTQ+ rights.
- Speak out against discrimination and promote equality.
By following these tips, businesses can avoid pink washing and show their true support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond.
Suggested products from Rainbow Republic
Rainbow Republic is a queer-owned New Zealand company that sells products that support the LGBTQ+ community. Here are a few suggested products from our website:
