“How is that organisation changing their workplace culture to include LGBTQ+ folks in a real way?” “With issues around how fashion engages with social justice, there needs to be a much deeper engagement than an Instagram post of their Pride collection,” said Dr Ben Barry, an activist and professor of fashion, gender and sexuality at Ryerson University in Toronto. There’s a link to the expectations around Pride month. Many companies were called out for performative “black square” posts on Instagram that were not accompanied by systemic changes in the structures of their businesses. The issues of corporate accountability in fashion came into focus following the murder of George Floyd last year. Victoria Beckham-designed Spice Girls T-shirt for Pride – the profits go to homeless charity akt.
“But, as queer people, we can’t turn off our LGBTQ+ status when the logos go back to normal, so it’s important we examine whether brands support us year round.” “Brands view Pride as a time to change their logos to rainbows, sell merch and convey a message of inclusion and an embrace of LGBTQ+ communities and customers,” he said. Matthew Breen, an LGBTQ+ media and advocacy consultant, believes the integrity of a company comes to light after Pride month. Most critics call for consistency from brands. “They know the community,” he said, “what works and what is appropriate.” Many of us feel exploited.” Speaking to the Observer, Tatchell added that if Pride merchandise is to be made, LGBTQ+ creatives should be designing it. “Sometimes it feels like a box-ticking PR exercise to make the company look good and win over LGBTQ+ consumers. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell described the rainbow capitalism row as damaging to LGBTQ+ communities. The way companies conceive Pride campaigns is such a failure of the imagination.” “They’ve been doing the same thing for decades. Understanding that, why have corporations not really changed their strategy at all when it comes to Pride?” he said. “All companies are doing it so much every June that now brands are called out when they don’t do something for Pride.
Writer and producer Fran Tirado, who has worked on LGBTQ+ strategy at Netflix, Out and Vice, says that while advocating for queer and trans communities has become a corporate norm, it’s often just lip service. Another wrote: “Don’t buy any Pride stuff from a big box store. It’s straight fashion rainbows on it, I’ll pass,” wrote one user, mocking rainbow-designed T-shirts featuring slogans “Come to the gay side, we have rainbows” and “I can’t even think straight” from Walmart. “All of the major corporations only care about us two months a year. “Also, I’m pretty stoked that people can buy something with my number on it,” he added.Peter Tatchell says Pride merchandise should be made by LGBTQ+ creatives.
“I’m extremely proud to be part of this collaboration to raise awareness both of Pride Month and the issue of tolerance and respect within the NFL itself,” Kluwe said per the release. “Athlete Ally is a proud partner in this effort as the NFLPA makes clear to all of its players that the union supports and welcomes them, regardless of sexual orientation, and to all LGBT fans that they are respected,” said Hudson Taylor, the founder of Athlete Ally.Īvailable players included Brendon Ayanbadejo, Scott Fujita, Terrell Suggs, Chris Kluwe and a few others. The players association is partnering with Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization that fights homophobia in sports and will contribute all of the net profits to the group. One Team Shop, the NFLPA’s merchandising outlet, released its “LGBT Pride Vintage T-Shirts” in celebration of pride month. Scott Fujita is one of seven players available.