Thread by @IsleLesbos

Rainbow washing is defined as: “The act of using or adding rainbow colors and/or imagery to advertising, apparel, accessories, landmarks…in order to indicate progressive support for LGBTQ equality (and earn consumer credibility)—but with a minimum of effort or pragmatic result.”

During June, companies that engage in rainbow washing will transform into colourful hubs, with bright, rainbow versions of their logo on social media. Their advertising and feeds may “highlight” local members of the LGBTQI+ community, featuring them wearing their seasonal “Pride”

Then BOOM—the first of July rolls around and everything switches back to business as usual while they walk away with your hard-earned LGB & TQ+ cash. It’s all about the money and our same sex sexuality + 1000’s of genders as their products to sell.

What Does Rainbow Washing Look Like?
It can be hard to differentiate between genuine support and “Corporate Pride”, so here are a few red flags to look out for this Pride season. A company might be Rainbow Washing if during June they:

•Launch Pride initiatives
•Use LGBTQI+ team members as props in content 
•Use the rainbow to push products 
•Have corporate groups marching in parades 
•Offer false incentives for queer talent 
•Underpay queer talent 
•Change logos temporarily

The commodification and monetisation of the Pride flag (a flag that represents the LGB community’s long history of resilience against oppression) has had a watering down effect on Pride as an event. The TQ+ has become the real cash cow as identities are a huge money maker.

It’s also damaging because it misleads well-intentioned people into thinking they’re supporting the LGB community, when in reality they’re lining the pockets of multi-billion dollar corporations and supporting conversion therapy of SSA youth.
End #RainbowWashing #Pride2023

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