Heard of rainbow-washing? This happens when manufacturers (or different entities) go “all out” for Delight Month—and all of it ends on July 1. And by “all out,” we imply altering their profile footage to incorporate rainbows and promoting merchandise with the assorted LGBTQIA+ flags on them.
Let’s be actual: Clients can see proper via this. If that is all you’re doing to help the LGBTQIA+ group, you’ll get known as out.
The actual answer is to create a year-round method to highlighting range, being inclusive by giving folks of all gender identities and sexual orientations a platform, and treating all of your companions equitably.
When members of the LGBTQIA+ group really really feel valued by your corporation—somewhat than feeling like a advertising ploy that will help you earn further money in June—you’ll see a large uptick in model love.
Why LGBTQ+ inclusivity is important (and never simply throughout Delight Month)
With regards to selling range, fairness, and inclusion, it’s important to stroll the stroll somewhat than simply discuss the discuss. Briefly, in case your model needs to achieve folks of all genders and sexual orientations, it’s important to raise the voices of individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. And whereas it is smart from a monetary perspective (the LGBTQ+ group has a mixed shopping for energy of $3.7 trillion), the true worth lies in serving to folks from all walks of life really feel heard, secure, and empowered.
How you can associate with LGBTQ+ influencers
Among the best methods to ensure your advertising efforts are as numerous as your viewers is by partnering with true model followers from all walks of life. Remember to provide them as a lot inventive freedom as potential of their model promotions, as they’re the specialists on what their audiences prefer to see and listen to. And whereas it ought to go with out saying, it’s important to make use of a typical cost system so that you might be sure your entire companions are receiving truthful compensation.
One other methodology you should utilize is partnering with prospects to share their genuine user-generated content material (UGC). Simply you should definitely negotiate content material utilization rights with the creators, and don’t be stunned in the event that they ask for compensation in return.
LGBTQIA+ icons all through historical past
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk was one of many first brazenly homosexual folks to be elected as a public official within the U.S. In 1977, he earned a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. After a couple of 12 months in workplace, he was assassinated.
Earlier than his political profession, Milk served as a diving teacher for the U.S. Navy, however he later resigned after folks started to query his sexual orientation. After holding a wide range of jobs, together with instructor and inventory analyst, Milk went on to assist co-found the Castro Village Affiliation, a company of primarily LGBTQ+ companies, for which he served as President.
Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson was a Black trans lady and drag queen in New York Metropolis who grew to become an icon after taking part within the Stonewall Riots in 1969. All through the years, she helped homeless LGBTQ+ youth, and he or she advocated for her group towards injustices. Moreover, together with Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded the Road Transvestite Motion Revolutionaries (STAR).
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a well-known Mexican artist who expressed numerous life experiences via her work and drawings. She was married to Diego Rivera, however she was identified to have had many affairs all through her lifetime with women and men alike, together with Leon Trotsky, Dolores del Rio, and Isamu Noguchi.
Her self-portraits are arguably her most well-known items, and her likeness and portraits have been repurposed in artwork, merchandise, and extra all through the years.
Freddie Mercury
Frederick Bulsara, higher identified by his stage identify of Freddie Mercury, was the lead singer of the rock band Queen. He discovered large worldwide success with the model, branched out on a solo profession, and even recorded the music which might change into the theme of the 1992 Olympics with Montserrat Caballé.
Many shut pals of Mercury’s level to the band’s hit, Bohemian Rhapsody, as Freddie’s manner of popping out as a homosexual man to the world.
After passing away from AIDS issues, the remaining members of Queen and Freddie’s executor developed the Mercury Phoenix Belief, a charity supporting AIDS training and consciousness in creating international locations.
Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and nightclub performer from the Thirties via 1978. She broke boundaries by sporting trousers and typical males’s style, and he or she was identified to take many female and male lovers all through her lifetime.
Within the ‘40s, she devoted a lot of her time to supporting the American warfare effort and helped promote warfare bonds all through the nation, regardless of having grown up in Germany. She even recorded fashionable American songs in German that could possibly be utilized in abroad broadcasts.
Elton John
Sir Elton John is a pop star, singer, composer, pianist, and homosexual icon. As a toddler, he earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music and later joined Bluesology as a member of the band. John initially got here out as bisexual to Rolling Stone in 1976, and he advised the identical publication he was homosexual in 1992.
He’s a extremely awarded musician, with an Oscar, a Tony, and several other Grammys, and a biopic about his life story was launched in 2019. He was additionally knighted in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II.
RuPaul Charles
RuPaul Charles is probably essentially the most widely known drag queen in popular culture right now. RuPaul’s Drag Race has ushered the artwork of drag into mainstream media, and what started as a actuality present in 2009 has now spanned a number of international locations and continents to change into a media empire.
Along with his actuality present, he’s a celebrated recording artist, actor, and entrepreneur. And on the time of publication, RuPaul is “the most-decorated Black artist in Emmys historical past, with 12 trophies to his identify to this point,” based on Leisure Weekly.
Lesbian influencers to comply with
Jessica and Claudia Kellgren-Fozard
Jessica and Claudia are a pair sharing their adventures as moms and their experiences with incapacity. Jessica is an activist for deaf and disabled folks, posting about her story with deafness and power diseases, and he or she likes to showcase her classic type. Claudia is a nature lover who paperwork her health and gardening actions.
You could find Jessica on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Fb, and you will discover Claudia on Instagram.
Tanya Compas
Tanya Compas is a youth employee, author, and activist from London. She makes use of her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocate for social justice, and share assets associated to psychological well being, sexuality, and relationships. Tanya is a founding member of Exist Loudly, a grassroots group that helps Black LGBTQ+ youth within the UK. She can be a daily speaker at conferences, workshops, and occasions on points affecting younger folks and LGBTQ+ communities.
Homosexual influencers to comply with
Ollie Drennan
@olliedreamer #fyp #dragrace #rupaulsdragrace y’all hiring? @RuPaul’s Drag Race ♬ unique sound – Advanced
Ollie Drennan is a micro influencer and self-proclaimed “gaymer.” He often posts about his favourite video video games, together with Pokémon and Ultimate Fantasy. Whether or not making a comedic skit a couple of beloved character or displaying off his newest cosplay, he’s connecting together with his followers over their mixed love of gaming.
You may also discover Ollie on Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch.
Trixie & Katya
Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova are drag queens maybe finest identified for his or her stints on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Collectively, the queens file their podcast, The Bald and the Lovely with Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo, create hilarious movies, and share their unfiltered ideas with the world.
You may also discover them on their web site, Katya on Instagram, and Trixie on Instagram.
Bisexual (bi) influencers to comply with
Molly Sydnor
Molly Sydnor is a multidisciplinary artist who strives for innovation and creativity. Based mostly in Dallas, Texas, Molly creates interactive artistic endeavors, and he or she often explores gender, race, and sexuality in her items. She’s been featured in D Journal, the Dallas Observer, and PAPER journal.
You may be taught extra about Molly on TikTok and her web site.
Taylor Michele
@taylorxmichele In the event you ever surprise or if you happen to ever really feel this fashion you aren’t alone❤️ #lgbtq #bisexual #ZFlipClackdown ♬ Meet Me At Our Spot – THE ANXIETY & WILLOW & Tyler Cole
Taylor Michele is a ray of sunshine and talks about her sexuality with the intention to present illustration as a Latinx lady and member of the LGBTQ+ group. She additionally posts plenty of skits, satire, and comedy protecting subjects like shopping for a home in California, adulting, and being single.
You may also discover Taylor on Instagram.
Transgender (trans) influencers to comply with
Dylan Mulvaney
@dylanmulvaney Let’s hear it for the women with “boy” names… it’s gender impartial babe !!
Dylan Mulvaney is a trans lady and mega influencer who likes to unfold happiness. She commonly updates her followers with a collection of posts that start with “day X of being a lady,” and he or she brings plenty of pleasure to her followers’ feeds. Up to now, they’ve partnered with manufacturers like Ulta and OkCupid.
In an interview with Elle, Dylan stated, “With my ‘Days of Girlhood’ collection, I’m engaged on choosing up all of the items that had been left behind in my childhood, and I believe there are cis girls watching my movies making an attempt to do the identical. We’ve all been programmed to take a look at our femininity as a weak point, and we have now to flip the narrative.”
You may also discover Dylan on Instagram.
Layla Jade
@wanderinglayla Nah bc i be devouring meals after HRT #fyp ♬ unique sound – $
Layla Jade is a micro influencer and trans lady who makes content material about being trans, her life journey, and her boyfriend. She by no means misses an opportunity to lip-sync to a TikTok sound, and he or she does plenty of throwbacks with pics of herself as a child.
Jaimie Wilson
@tboytattoos #leavingmybody #leavingmybodytrend #ftm #trans #shania #shaniatwain ♬ Man! I Really feel Like A Lady! – Shania Twain
Jaimie Wilson is a macro influencer, musician, and New Jersey-based tattoo artist. In his posts, he shares comedic takes on life, talks about his expertise tattooing, takes on LGQBTQ+ subjects, newest songs, and extra.
You may also discover Jaimie on Instagram, YouTube, and his web site.
Pansexual (pan) influencers to comply with
@nico1eodeon
@nico1eodeon That is me recoming out and I’m so proud to be pansexual <3 #satisfaction#pan#lgbtq ♬ Anyone That I Used to Know (Remix) – pace🎧
Nicole is a mega influencer who likes to showcase her sense of fashion, cosplays, #GRWM course of, and humorousness in her movies. In the event you’re on the lookout for style inspo, Nicole is right here to assist.
You may also discover Nicole on Instagram.
JellyBean
JellyBean is a mega influencer and gamer who likes to publish about Roblox, Splatoon, and Minecraft. They carry a humorousness to every little thing they do, they usually at all times embrace the optimistic.
You may also discover JellyBean on TikTok, Twitter, Twitch, Discord, and Instagram.
Asexual (ace) and asexual spectrum (a-spec) influencers to comply with
Cody Webb
@therealcodywebb It took me about two years after this incident to determine I used to be ace. #asexuality #ace #acepride #aceweek #aspec #asexual #recollections #aceweek2022 ♬ The Loneliest Time – Carly Rae Jepsen & Rufus Wainwright
Cody Webb is a comic and macro influencer who shares clips from his comedy exhibits, humorous skits about being ace, and normal musings on life. In the event you’re on the lookout for fun, Cody is the particular person to show to.
You may also discover Cody on YouTube, Fb, Twitter, Discord, and Instagram.
@unkownplanet.pdf
@unknownplanet.pdf spectrums of points of interest arent solely for aspecs to discover and it bothers me how little they’re introduced up #aromantic #aropride #arotok #alloaro #aroacespec #lgbtqiaplus #romanticidentities ♬ Huge chads use this sound – Tony-soprano
@unknownplanet.pdf is an aromantic micro creator who shares content material about a-spec identities and advocates for the acceptance of all. A whole lot of the feedback on their movies are about how folks “lastly really feel seen” or notice they’re “not alone” of their emotions.
Jackie Simpson
@lesbianplantdad Simply checking. #lgbtq #lesbian #demisexual #masc #wlw #queer #🏳️🌈 #foryoupage ♬ unique sound – m gewehr
Jackie Simpson, maybe higher referred to as @lesbianplantdad, is a lesbian, demisexual macro influencer who creates humorous and entertaining skits and content material in regards to the LGBTQ+ group. She by no means shies away from sharing her ideas, and he or she is usually a nice supply of reassurance for people who find themselves new to the group.
You may also discover Jackie on Instagram and Snapchat.
Intersex influencers to comply with
@sydneykidneybean
@sydneykidneybean Thanks @seensexed #worldintersexday #intersexday #intersexawareness #seen #seentv #tales ♬ unique sound – Sydney
Sydney is an intersex, nonbinary creator finding out finance and advertising and creates plenty of content material round monetary well being. They by no means draw back from answering questions and being open with their followers.
You may also comply with Sydney on Instagram.
@genderfenderbender
@genderfenderbender It’s #IntersexDayOfSolidarity or #IntersexDayOfRemembrance! Listed below are 10 methods you possibly can present up for #intersex folks! #EndIntersexSurgery ♬ unique sound – Mari ✨
Mari is an educator and advocate, they usually create content material to construct consciousness round intersex people. They cowl every little thing from intersex historical past to bodily autonomy and extra. In addition they go across the nation to show “Intersex 101” workshops at conferences, universities, and organizations.
You may also discover Mari on Instagram.
Nonbinary and genderqueer influencers to comply with
@august_skyz
@august_skyz Since y’all just like the ｇｅｎｄｅｒ•ｆｌｕｉｄcontent so much- please take pleasure in ♡ . . . . #fyp #genderfluid #theythem #hethey #sheher #hehim #nonbinary #acceptance #fypsounds #lgbtqia #friendship #establish #lgbtq #fy #fyp ♬ smile
August is a micro creator and aspiring actor. They publish comedic movies about residing life as a genderfluid particular person and entertaining lip-syncs.
You may also discover August on Instagram.
Honey Rose
@thathoneywitch We dont owe anybody something in terms of our genders and that features an explination #homosexual #lesbian #nonbinary #trans #agender #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbtqiaplus #transgender #gnc #gendernonconforming ♬ systemBOOT.PearlFinal.Information – 🇵🇷🇵🇪
Honey Rose is an agender macro creator, tarot reader, and avid participant in #WitchTok. After they’re not posting content material about being agender, they share particulars about their associate, their love for religious practices, and movies about trending subjects.
You may also discover Honey Rose on Instagram and Twitter.
Kaylee Herring
@kayleekawaii FORGET THAT! CONSTRUCTS ARE NOT REAL! #nonbinary ♬ unique sound – lesley gonzalez 💞
Kaylee Herring is a nonbinary mega influencer who often posts lip-syncs and skits in regards to the LGBTQ+ group. They take pleasure in displaying off their masc and femme outfits and flipping their type of their posts.
Two-spirit influencers to comply with
Kairyn Potts
@ohkairyn Popping out might be one of the crucial tough and scary instances in a queer particular person’s life. Everybody’s expertise is completely different and legitimate although – right here’s some issues that I did that labored, and a few that I’d change if I may return. ✨ Keep in mind that your security is of the utmost significance and to at all times encompass your self with folks that you simply belief. ❤️🌈 @nyxcosmetics_canada @itgetsbettercanada #NationalComingOutDay #ItGetsBetterProject #advert ♬ unique sound – Kairyn Potts
Kairyn Potts is Nakota Sioux, a Twitch streamer, a author, an actor, a number, a mannequin, and a macro influencer on TikTok. Kairyn focuses on educating folks about indigenous tradition and historical past, in addition to two-spirit identities.
You may also discover Kairyn on Fb, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Twitch, and Discord.
Geo Soctomah Neptune
Geo Soctomah Neptune is a United States Artists 2021 Fellow, member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, grasp basketmaker, and drag artist. Geo has been featured in various interviews, together with with Vogue on their earring assortment and the present Getting Curious on Netflix.
You may also discover Geo on Twitter and Fb.
Key takeaway: Partnering with LGBTQIA+ influencers is important year-round, not simply throughout Delight.
The creator economic system is extremely numerous, giving manufacturers unparalleled entry to companions representing all gender identities and sexual orientations. Now, it’s as much as right now’s companies to work with them to create content material that resonates with viewers, showcases range in an equitable and inclusive manner, and acknowledges the fantastic thing about the LGBTQIA+ group.
Steadily Requested Questions
