NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- On this episode of "It’s Okay To Say Gay," the CEO and president of GLAAD, Sarah-Kate Ellis, explains to us why it’s important to hold brands accountable and how GLAAD evaluates companies.
Dr. Gillian Oakenfull, a marketing professor and faculty director of diversity and inclusion at Miami University, leads us through the history of LGBT+ advertising and today’s current challenges.
We also hear from Fran Dunaway, co-founder of Tomboyx, about why it’s important to have queer people in leadership roles when making products for the LGBTQ+ community.
What you need to know:
• Pride Month has been happening for decades, but in recent years corporate America has commercialized the celebration.
• In June, you’ll see brands unveil rainbow-themed products, queer-coded social media campaigns, and other LGBTQt+ marketing efforts.
What is rainbow capitalism:
• Rainbow capitalism, or rainbow-washing, is a term to describe companies who capitalize off LGBTQ+ celebrations like Pride, but don’t actually support queer people. These brands will sell LGBTQ-themed merchandise and posture themselves as queer-friendly, but their support becomes non-existent after Pride month.
Why it’s an issue:
• Corporations who rainbow-wash make money off queerness without understanding or even really caring about it. Some of these brands will sell Pride-themed products but support anti-LGBT policies and legislation.
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