28/06/2021
Brands across the globe are painting their social media feeds and logos in rainbow colours as June is observed as Pride Month, a movement that brings the entire LGBTQIA+ community together to spread the message of equality. However, there is a raging debate about brands not doing enough and just changing their logos as a symbolic or superficial move.
Changing a company’s logo for a month does not mean that it truly creates, respects, encourages, practices, or acts with diversity and inclusion in mind. Changing a logo takes 5 seconds, but it doesn’t change the actual employee experience the company creates and reinforces.
Companies still grapple with the meaning of being an LGBTQ+ ally. Woke Corporate Capitalism can be viewed by consumers as shallow and opportunistic, if a brand opts to build a campaign around Pride, but has taken actions in the past that counter their stance. Despite legal protections against discrimination, LGBTQ+ employees still struggle with senior leadership, career opportunities, representation, compensation and benefits.
This post highlights the actions that actually matter and the arguments against ‘Rainbow Washing’. However, the change of the logo’s colour doesn’t hurt either. The visuals communicate, ‘We see you and we are here for you', and, translates into a welcoming approach for the brand. The point is to not sell to the community, but to include the community and give them a space to be visible and share their stories. While policy implementation is a deeper aspect, subtle gestures like putting up a rainbow flag in the office space or personalized notes wishing members for Pride month can help create an accepting atmosphere.
In conclusion, companies should make a conscious effort to make their brand inclusive all year long and if the brand doesn’t, the sentiment just falls flat.