#PrideWashing Sydney World Pride
I’ve spent the past month taking part in Sydney’s World Pride; running awareness workshops, training and also attending events, and I am full of joy! I feel represented, heard, celebrating that our lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer communities and being celebrated!
Whilst the city has been awash with Pride flags and rainbow branding, I can’t help but wonder what happens next? How much of this celebration has been #PrideWashing?
‘Pridewashing’ is the term used when brands and organisations try to leverage Pride celebrations and the LGBTIQ+ community for their own profit or gain. It can take many different forms; from companies changing their logos to rainbow colours for the month of February, to straight-owned businesses claiming to be allies of the LGBTIQ+ community whilst it’s popular to do so.
Pride-washing can be a harmful form of #PinkWashing; a broader umbrella term describing the exploitation of LGBTIQ+ people and symbols to make corporate products or services appear progressive, without actually doing anything to support the communities they claim to advocate for.
A lack of intent or continued consideration is hurtful to LGBTIQ+ communities in the long term because it suggests companies only care about us when it’s convenient and for financial gain. We are not a trend or a marketing strategy, and we should not be used for commercial gain. It leads to the fallacy of achieving equality when we’ve still so far to go.
So how can you make sure you’re not guilty of Pride-washing? Keep reading to find out!
The dos and don’ts of Pride-washing!
1. Use the momentum gained from this period to keep up inclusive practices for employees and consumers.
2. Introduce an intentional, community informed Diversity Strategy and/or take time to review your existing one to ensure it remains current.
3. Consider simple actionable practices and policy changes that can make a lasting difference
4. Avoid generic platitudes and slogans – be specific to your line of work.
5. Look to engage your workforce with additional year-round programs or awareness and training around LGBTIQ+.
6. Set up a LGBTIQ+ social group or working party.
7. Reach out and offer support to LGBTIQ+ community organisations. This does not always need to be financial, consider working with them, promoting their events or practices, offering physical space or online promotion. There are so many amazing LGBTIQ+ businesses and organizations that could use your support!
Now really is the time to be considering how you can continue being strong LGBTIQ+ allies to the in your organisations.
If you are interested in how you can continue the momentum created by World Pride and with LGBTIQ+ inclusion in your organisations, why not reach out and take some time to consider the above.
Essentially don’t let your support for LGBTIQ+ communities stop after the World Pride closing party.
#diversity #inclusion #worldpride2023 #lgbtiq #sydney