LGBT+ Visibility: In Public

Why Does Public Visibility Matter?

Society determines what is acceptable and what is not. Anyone deemed unacceptable is at increased risk of bullying and assault, as well as murder. As society and the media have been more open in embracing LGBT+ people, LGBT+ people can see themselves represented (lessening internalized negativity) and non-LGBT+ people can see the commonalities between themselves and LGBT+ people (lessening ignorance, hatred and harm).

How Does A Media Company Do Visibility Right?

Media Smarts offers these insights to guide you and your company… (Note: They use the word "queer" instead of LGBT+ as they deemed these words interchangeable. However, it is not recommended that the word "queer" be used in the U.S. unless a person tells you this is the word they use for their own identity.)

1. Who created this media text? What is its purpose?
   If all media transmit ideological messages, an important part of critical engagement is to identify the ideological position from which a given media text is being produced. A good place to start is to determine who created it. For instance, an ad produced by a company with a decidedly anti-queer agenda may have a much different intent than one from a company that is supportive of equal rights and queer empowerment.
2. Whose voices and interests are being represented? Whose are absent?
   This is a very important part of critically engaging with media because it asks the question of who has control over meaning and identity. Is queerness being represented from its own perspective or is it being represented as it appears to an outsider? In either case, making clear the position from which they operate can go a long way to facilitating the interpretation of a given cultural text.
3. What do the images and narratives being deployed say about queer people?
   Are the images and narratives you consume describing an entire subgroup of people or are they describing a single individual? Is the individual posited as an exceptional member of their subgroup and if they are, what is being implied about the group of which they are a part?
4. If the representations in question utilize humor, are queer people in on the joke or are they the joke?
   This is an important distinction to grasp and can sometimes be quite tricky depending on the media product under scrutiny. Ridiculous and humorous representations serve a wide variety of purposes and humor can often broach topics that would otherwise be too sensitive or difficult to deal with. That said, there is a difference between a humor that "Others" people and one that is inclusive.

What Has Company Public Support Looked Like Thus Far?

It is impossible to avoid seeing examples of companies showing public support for LGBT+ people by who have lived in or visited the U.S. during Pride Month (typically in June, though Pride events may be scheduled in other months throughout the country).

Stoli offered a Stonewall bottle in 2019: "The Spirit of Stonewall celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and how the bravery to take a stand has evolved into the Pride movement and celebrations of today. Through this commemorative release, Stoli supports the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative and its powerful mission to eliminate the social intolerances that profoundly impact the lives of LGBTQ citizens in America and abroad."

Oreo offered rainbow cream cookies in 2020: "Oreo says these cookies won't be available in stores; they're part of Oreo's '#ProudParent' campaign. As such, these treats are being distributed 'via giveaway to reward acts of allyship for the LGBTQ+ community."

Adidas offered an entire line of products in 2020: "Adidas is a major contributor to The Trevor Project, the world's largest LGBTQ suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for at-risk youth. With this year's Pride collection, you can grab everything from shoes to fanny packs."

Brew Dr. Kombucha offered a specific product in 2020 that focused on LGBT+ suicide prevention: Beginning in late May, Brew Dr. Kombucha began offering its signature Love kombuchawith a colorful twist: limited-edition rainbow-wrapped bottles and cans. In addition, each wrap also comes with the lifeline number to The Trevor Project printed directly on it. This is the second year the brand has partnered with The Trevor Project for Pride Month.

Family company Disney has even joined this, offering items in 2020 full of rainbows and Disney Magic: "Rainbow Disney collection has more than 50 products to choose from, including stuffed animals, T-shirts and more, Disney's products are fun and age-appropriate for the whole family. The brand has also pledged $100,000 to GLSEN, which benefits LGBTQ students from grades K-12 and helps to make schools more inclusive and queer-friendly."

As you think about the upcoming Pride month and your year-round planning, keep in mind that studies show that companies that included LGBT+ people in their ads were viewed favorably by nearly 70% of respondents, who said they felt 'better' about buying products from those companies.

Now It's YOUR Turn!

How does YOUR company show inclusivity? Contact us and tell us about it… we may just choose to profile your work in an upcoming piece!

In Solidarity.

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The opinions expressed here are the author's views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillage.com/MyersBizNet.