Top LGBTQ Moments in Advertising

Thanks to a few pioneering brands, nowadays showing LGBTQ people in everyday situations is practically de rigueur. In the 1990s, a few brands started including LGBTQs in their print campaigns, often after using similar creative in LGBTQ media. Ikea took the first giant step to television in 1994, matter-of-factly including a gay couple shopping for furniture. It took almost two decades to see that trend find its way into the biggest brand advertisers.

Thanks to strides in equality for LGBTQs and Millennials' attitude that brands who value equality are brands worth supporting, advertising's closet doors have flung wide open. Brands know that they will be viewed positively for depicting LGBTQs since all consumers, straight or gay, will perceive the brands more positively as a result. 

Here are some of the most groundbreaking LGBTQ ads from brands who are setting the standard.

IKEA "Dining Room Table" (1994) 

It took a European retailer to start the trend. Ikea delivered the first major mainstream TV commercial to portray a gay couple.  It received kudos (and complaints) for presenting them no differently than any other couple.  Ikea's head of marketing at the time stated simply, "This is just part of our overall strategy to try to speak directly to all kinds of customers."

Coca Cola "America The Beautiful" Super Bowl Spot (2014) 

Twenty years later, Coca Cola put several gay couples (and a gay family) into their Super Bowl ad embracing the diversity of the USA. There's almost no brand bigger than Coca Cola and no forum bigger than the Super Bowl.

Chevy #TheNewUs Families Olympic Opening Ceremony Ad (2014)

Just a few weeks later, Chevy followed with a spot highlighting the diversity of families today -- including several LGBTQ families.

Campbell's Soup "I Am Your Father" (2015)

In a certain sign that the environment is safe for brands to support LGBTQs, the 147-year old brand felt it was time to embrace the face of the modern family. This sweet and surprising commercial plays with the "Star Wars" themed soup.

Oreo Pride (2012)

Oreo's captured awards and kudos for their creative use of social media to become a part of the conversation of the day. Oreo didn't shy away from controversy when they showed their rainbow themed cookie.  Even in 2012, this simple image led to boycott threats.

Google #ProudToLove (2013)

Google often includes LGBTQ images in their TV commercials, but their 2013 social media campaign #ProudToLove made the most of a viral medium. Not only did they highlight important and heart-tugging stories, Google showed the power of their YouTube platform to allow expression of all kinds of people.

Tylenol #HowWeFamily (2015)

Beyond simply including LGBTQ people, the long gay-friendly Tylenol took a stand for equality.  The simple spot asked, "When did you first fight to be considered a family?" 

Axe "Find Your Magic" (2016)

Millennial and Generation Z-targeted Axe shows us a peek into the future where LGBTQs are not only included but celebrated for being exceptional. A young man "Rocks Those Heels" and two teen boys find their perfect match in a record shop.

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