Keeping the Pride Spirit Alive: Year-Round Support for LGBTQ+ Causes
June 26, 2023
Promotional products supporting Pride month are designed and distributed by organizations to show support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride celebrations. These products aim to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride celebrations typically take place in June, but it’s important for organizations to embrace diversity and inclusion authentically rather than merely relying on promotional items for one-time events. There are ways of keeping the pride spirit alive throughout the year.
- Workplace policies: Implement inclusive policies and practices that support your LGBTQ+ employees, such as non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for same-sex partners, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
- Training and education: Offer diversity and inclusion coaching and training sessions for employees to promote understanding and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. This helps create a more inclusive and accepting workplace culture.
- Sponsorship and partnerships: Sponsor LGBTQ+ events, organizations, or initiatives throughout the year. By providing financial support or partnering with relevant organizations, businesses can actively contribute to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
- Philanthropic initiatives: Allocate funds or resources towards LGBTQ+ charities, nonprofits, or community programs. This can be done through donations, volunteering, or pro bono services, depending on the organization’s capabilities.
- Inclusive marketing materials: Ensure that marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, or advertisements, include diverse representations of LGBTQ+ individuals. This helps communicate your commitment to inclusivity to both employees and customers.
When it comes to promotional products, these ideas can help reinforce inclusive messaging:
- Rainbow Flags: The rainbow flag, also known as the pride flag, is a well-known symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Displaying these at your business locations shows commitment to inclusivity to your employees and customers.
- Apparel: T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items featuring rainbow designs or LGBTQ+ slogans allow people to proudly display their support for the LGBTQ+ community. If your business uses uniforms, consider allowing employees to opt for these choices to wear while at work.
- Pins and Buttons: Customized pins and buttons with LGBTQ+ themes or symbols are popular giveaways that can be attached to clothing, bags, or accessories. If your business uses uniforms where rainbow colors or t-shirt slogans may not be the right fit for your brand, letting employees display a pin on their uniform still shows a supportive message. Patches are also an option.
- Tote Bags: Rainbow-themed tote bags are practical and reusable items that don’t need to be tied just to Pride celebrations. They provide a useful way to promote LGBTQ+ visibility.
- Drinkware: Rainbow-colored water bottles, coffee mugs, or tumblers with LGBTQ+ designs are popular promotional products. They are practical items that can be used throughout the year, spreading awareness wherever they go.
It’s important to note that when using promotional products during Pride month, you must do so authentically and with a genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. Simply slapping a rainbow design on a product without actively supporting the community can be seen as performative, or “rainbow-washing”. It’s essential for individuals and organizations to back up their promotional efforts with meaningful actions that contribute to inclusivity, diversity, and equality.
For merch ideas and support, reach out to us at B* True Promotions. We are experts at helping our clients find the right products that send the right message.