Pride month might be over but for progressive brands support of the LGBTQ+ community must be a year-round commitment. 

LGBTQ+ talent is key to creating compelling, inclusive and effective work,  yet data from the All in Census shows the industry is falling short when it comes to creating a safe, inclusive environment. 45% of LGBTQ+ people reported stress/anxiety compared to the 31% industry average, and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to have been made to feel uncomfortable in the workplace (20% versus 13% of heterosexual people).

Creating an inclusive environment is not only important for the safety, well-being and happiness of talent, but it is also essential to ensure creativity is able to thrive. Creating this kind of environment goes beyond transforming a logo with a rainbow flag, while visible support can be a step in the right direction true inclusion comes from within and is embedded in a companies DNA through inclusive policies that are upheld by all. For example, ensuring staff include gender pronouns in signatures or using gender-neutral language in official company documents are small changes that can have a significant impact. 

Throughout the month of June, industry leaders shared with BITE their commitments to the LGBTQ+ community and offered advice to brands on how best to authentically engage audiences and avoid rainbow washing. Below is a round-up of some of the best articles to inspire progress and help elevate the voices of the LGBTQ+ community all year round.

Outvertising launches new purpose film to fight for true LGBTQ+ inclusion

Against a backdrop of transphobia, Outvertising’s new purpose film highlights the need for true inclusion and better representation in the advertising and marketing industry

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Pride Marketing

Eva Norrington Senior Creative Lead at Born Social shares her thoughts on Pride Washing and considers what brands can do to ensure they avoid 

Allyship shouldn’t be a strategy but a way of operating

How Mr. President is making actionable strides toward LGBTQ+ inclusion 

Questions to ask to prevent pridewashing

George Levens (they/them) Senior Community Manager, Puzzle shares some actionable advice for brands and agencies encouraging self-reflection before diving into Pride communications 

“LGBTQ+ are nothing special”

MadeBrave’s Paloma Pini-Reed discusses the importance of authentic representation in order to prevent sensationalism and usualise the LGBTQ+ community

Stories, not storylines

Nic Alford, Head of Pride Committee & Senior New Business & Marketing Executive at MullenLowe Group UK warns against the damaging use of stereotypes 

The importance of LGBTQ+ authenticity at work and in the work

The&Partnership’s Tony Wright argues that a strong sense of community and inclusion is essential for employees to bring their full selves to work

We are still queer and here, even when the rainbows have been packed away.

WPP Unite’s Rachel Bowen and David Adamson, reflect on Pride 2022 and consider how the industry can continue to support the LGBTQ+ community all year round