The month of June brings many exciting things. It’s the end of the school year, the weather is getting warmer and it’s Pride Month! With Pride month in full swing right now, we are seeing efforts taken by many companies to join in the support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Among these companies is Facebook and Instagram, two of the more popular social media platforms out there. Instagram’s efforts have included the addition of tools and creative content to spread awareness for Pride month. For the month, if you use some of their recommended hashtags in an Instagram story such as #lgbtq, #bornperfect, #equaliymatters, #accelerateacceptance, or #pride2019 your story ring will turn rainbow.
Additionally, Instagram has added the option to write in a custom gender to be “more inclusive and reflective of how people self-identify today”. Facebook is joining the party by adding Pride-themed backgrounds for status updates.
Aside from platform updates, Instagram has also started a series of art installations in a new campaign, #UntoldPride. The installation sheds light on pioneers of the LGBTQ+ community while promoting the “next generation to continue to make waves”.
It is important that brands not just take advantage of this month as a time to sell rainbow themed products, but to educate and make meaningful efforts to support the community.
"When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free."--Barack Obama
