Just to address the couple “corporate pandering” posts I’m seeing here — a topic that, for whatever forsaken reason, seems to spark discourse every June - I think we need to think a little outside of our own biases for a second.
It’s pretty obvious these companies (mostly) do not care about LGBT+ rights. It’s also pretty obvious that any major social movement gets slapped onto brands to make themselves look better and jive with the public discourse better.
However — There are numerous studies and pieces of literature that have concluded that repeated positive exposure to a concept subconsciously creates positive perceptions. In a world where acceptance rates are low or actively facing attack, having the public exposed to LGBT+ symbolism and advocacy in their day-to-day life slowly inches people toward acceptance. And it weeds out those who stubbornly dig their heels in to oppose social progress.
I grew up in a world where LGBT+ was dangerous to be. I grew up in a world where there was no mention of LGBT+ identities outside of mockery or condemnation. I grew up in a world where I wouldn’t have ever DREAMED that someday I would walk into Walmart, pick up a box of cereal, and see openly pro-LGBT packaging. That is amazing to see. And if you’re someone like me who grew up as a marginalized LGBT youth, I’m sure it’s easy to see why this “empty” pandering means great things for us and the generations to follow.
So instead of focusing on “empty” advertising which exists around us 24/7 and is by no means unique to Pride — try to realize that the next generation of children are growing up in a world where they’re actively being exposed to LGBT messaging. A world where they can see they’re not alone.
Alright, I’m done now. Just wanted this to be said.
