Posts tagged with "LGBTQIA"

Frankfurt via 360MAGAZINE

FRANKFURT

Frankfurt is a global leader in commercial, industrial, and high technology trade. As a leading conference destination, its a metropolis with a diverse population and culture. Dubbed the gateway to Europe, this multi-faceted cosmopolitan embraces the largest pool of Afro-Germans and has a stong LGBTQIA presence. Further, it has been accredited with procuring a major stock exchange, housing the 12th largest financial and securities center in the world. With such a vast array of resources, Frankfurt has proven to become an innovative force in the realm of environmental development and implementation. Largely due to its infrastructure and transport connectivity.

LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lindley Lindenberg Hotel lobby coffee and pastry station.
LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
On-site dining facility at the Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt.
LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Scrumptious plant-based appetizers and dishes are offered on the premises.
LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Gorgeous rooftop views.
LINDLEY LINDENBERG Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Excellent handcrafted cocktails at Lindley Lindenberg Hotel in Frankfurt.

The Lindley Lindenberg in Frankfurt offers guests a very unique and special experience. The hotel offers options ranging from short, mid, and long-term stay. Studio Aberia decorated the rooms with over 500 pieces of contemporary artwork. Breakfast and baked goods are also offered by the hotel. There are many great amenities aiding in creating a communal feel, with a 25-minute walk to the city center. If you’re not in the mood for a stroll, the local tram station is just a few blocks away. Additionally, the property is loaded with tons of green spaces sprinkled throughout, a fitness facility, and boast motion censored hallway lighting, making it one of the energy-efficient lodges in the neighborhood.


The Guided Tour

Listen to David Jones Frankfurt sustainable walking tour guide on 360 MAG podcast HERE.

Frankfurt tour guide David Jones speaks to Vaughn Lowery of 360 MAGAZINE.
Frankfurt local tour guide David Jones speaks to Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.
Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) in Frankfurt, Germany photographed by Vaughn Lowery via 360 MAGAZINE.

Frankfurt offers many different museums that attest to the modern culture of the city. One of these was the MOMEM Museum. This museum highlighted techno music and the contributions of artists to the field. Showcasing a multitude of individual artists and DJ’s allowed for a more cohesive showing of international technological music. The celebration of the art was culminated in the showing of the past and present of electronic music and the intersection of club music and modern life.

​​On weather-allowing days, the Main Tower in Frankfurt offers the best views of the city. The 56 story skyscraper illuminated the best views in the city. The main tower also had dining and art areas and offerings adding the modern and contemporary air of Frankfurt. 

David Jones, a former employee of Bank of America, provided us with valuable insights on eco-conscious establishments. These places focused on quality goods that would last a lifetime.

Shaping New Tomorrow sells suits using sustainable methods via 360 MAGAZINE.
Shaping New Tomorrow sells suits using sustainable methods via 360 MAGAZINE.
Shaping New Tomorrow sells suits using sustainable methods via 360 MAGAZINE.
Shaping New Tomorrow fitting rooms and suits are made of recycled plastics.
Vaughn Lowery, president of 360 MAGAZINE, tries on a teddy coat from Hessnatur with new wool, organic cotton, and camel hair.
Hessnatur stands for fair fashion. Most items sold are cultivated with organic textiles.
Vaughn Lowery, president of 360 MAGAZINE, tries on a teddy coat from Hessnatur fabricated with new wool, organic cotton, and camel hair.
Hessnatur eco-friendly accessories and boots downtown Frankfurt, Germany via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Hessnatur eco-friendly accessories and boots downtown Frankfurt, Germany via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Grüne Erde Store Frankfurt sells ecologically and socially fair manufactured furniture, home accessories, natural cosmetics, and clothing via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Grüne Erde Store Frankfurt sells ecologically and socially fair manufactured furniture, home accessories, natural cosmetics, and clothing via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Grüne Erde Store Frankfurt sells ecologically and socially fair manufactured furniture, home accessories, natural cosmetics, and clothing via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.

The Foodie

Frankfurt is a culinary paradise, reflecting the diversity of the city’s population, there is never a dull bite.

Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage Frankfurt is one of the most renown dessert shops in Germany, photographed by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE.
After an eventful day, we stopped by Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage to indulge in a rich piece of cake alongside of a cup of java.
Oosten Frankfurt is a port restaurant with delicious food via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Oosten Frankfurt is a port restaurant with delicious food via 360 MAGAZINE, photographed by Vaughn Lowery.
Oosten Frankfurt port restaurant spicy chicken salad via 360 Magazine.

On our final night, we visited the original and authentic Curry Club. Our taste buds were thirsty for spices and the establishment was delivered effortlessly.

Curry Club Frankfurt is a gorgeous and romantic dining experience via 360 MAGAZINE.
After a ten-day journey, we celebrated a greener Germany at Curry Club.
Curry Club Frankfurt via 360 MAGAZINE.

After hours

We finished our meal and went to the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. This nicely designed hotel bar seemed to house some of the town’s socialites. Everybody was lovely and dressed to impress.

Sofitel Frankfurt Opera via 360 MAGAZINE.
Sofitel Frankfurt Opera via 360 MAGAZINE.
Roomers Bar Frankfurt via 360 MAGAZINE.
Roomers Bar Frankfurt via 360 MAGAZINE.
Roomers Bar Frankfurt via 360 MAGAZINE.
Inside the lavish and iconic Roomers Bar Frankfurt.

Following the recommendation of our guide, we welcomed an Uber to the most prestigious appointment in Frankfurt – Roomers Bar. After a short wait, we got access to this chic salon.

In the late hours, we fist-pumped to EDMs’ hottest hits. And consider our discoveries as to what makes this town and Germany so special. They are steadfastly committed to reducing their carbon footprint one step at a time.


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Frankfurt Worth Seeing

LGBT Events + Festivals

MARY J. BLIGE | STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL via 360 Magazine.

MARY J. BLIGE | STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL

Mary J. Blige and Pepsi proudly announce the second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in partnership with Live Nation Urban. The festival returns to the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA with four days devoted to music, comedy, female empowerment and community building between May 11th -14th, 2023. For tickets, visit: www.soawfestival.com.

Created and curated by Grammy-award-winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team and will return this spring to the hotbed for creativity and culture, Atlanta, GA. After selling out in less than 72 hours last year, the festival continues to bring what are sure to be iconic moments back to the State Farm Arena with two incredible nights of music; the #HipHop50 celebration featuring rarely-performed hits by Mary J. Blige and friends in a special MJB B-Sides set; and a special R&B night with performances by the legendary Lauryn Hill, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Muni Long, and more.

This year’s festival is a clear leveling-up; with an expanded footprint in the city and its programming, aiming to create even more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to find community and joy. New to the festival this year is a special live music event with Grammy-Award winner Robert Glasper along with the Sunday night closing event, PURPOSE BALL, powered by Gilead, produced by Miss Lawrence and featuring a special performance from Saucy Santana. The PURPOSE BALL was created after connecting with friends and partners in the LGBTQAI community around how the festival could celebrate and honor their impact on popular culture especially in Atlanta. After an extremely successful launch in 2022, and the overwhelming feedback from attendees, the female-led team are set to deliver bigger, better and more impactful programming for 2023 with support from returning and new partners this year including Mielle Organics, CVS Health, and Twitch.

As a 9x Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist & Global Superstar, Mary J. Blige has committed the majority of her career to amplify, empower, and give voice to BIPOC women through the art of music and truth-telling. This multi-touchpoint festival, which focuses on Music, Wellness, Tech, Beauty, and Financial Literacy is the evolution of her life’s mission and purpose.

“I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit back to Atlanta for its second year, ” said Mary J. Blige, Founder of Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build amongst a community of women is the reason why we created this festival. I’m so grateful for all of the support from our performers and participants and of course Live Nation Urban, Pepsi and our additional partners who are committed to celebrating and creating community for Black women.”

The Strength of a Woman festival is engaging with women more than ever before and returns as the go-to destination for inspiring programming, pivotal panels, musical performances, workshops, and much more! Following the success of its debut last year, Blige, and her partners Nicole Jackson, Vice President of MJB Inc., and Marketing Maven Ashaunna Ayars of The Ayars Agency will return this May with initiatives that further empower women of the BIPOC community. The festival is dedicated to curating a safe haven for women, led and assembled by women from production to performances that sustain the festival’s inaugural blueprint.

Jackson, Mary’s long-time business partner, shared , “the popularity and impact of the inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit successfully showed how and why Black women are the blueprint for cultural relevancy and inclusion. Being able to look back and see the global reach the festival had through our livestream and billions of media impressions is confirmation that we are filling a void in the festival space. Mary, Ashaunna and myself are overjoyed to be back in Atlanta again and look forward to continued expansion in our programming and partnerships.”

Presented by Pepsi, the festival’s inaugural partner returns to support Blige and her impactful work on and off the stage in a shared mission to inspire the next generation of women. For the second annual festival, Pepsi will once again bring its powerful platform to the production and event experience as it activates throughout the festival grounds, including amplifying the musical experience for fans, elevating local women-led businesses, and more to engage the Atlanta community across the festival and summit.

“The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is a testament to the power of amplifying Black women and their voices starting with Mary, someone whose vision and presence has been instrumental in its success. As a brand and company rooted in celebrating culture and uplifting communities, we are thrilled to show our support and continue to provide new ways to elevate the festival experience for guests throughout the expanded weekend of activities, all while highlighting and supporting the remarkable women of the Atlanta community”, said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development.

Blige and continued partners chose to return to Atlanta for the second annual event given its reputation as the mecca for young Black creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival is proud to partner with dozens of local, minority, and female-owned businesses and vendors to help cultivate the best experience for attendees. The love for Atlanta is reflected not only in the festival’s investment into the local entrepreneurial community but also in the performers and hosts for the various events taking place over the weekend.

Saucy Santana new music announcement via 360 MAGAZINE

Saucy Santana – I’m Too Much

Rapper and hitmaker Saucy Santana releases his latest single, “I’m Too Much,” out now via RCA Records.

Initially teased to fans during his performance at the 2022 MTV VMAs Pre-Show, “I’m Too Much” is a playful clapback at haters and an ode to being extra. Set to bouncing basslines and a bursting chorus of horns, “I’m Too Much” showcases Santana’s quick-witted lyricism as he boasts his accomplishments with his signature flair.

The release of “I’m Too Much” follows an undeniable winning streak for Santana this past summer, gracing the covers of Teen Vogue, PAPER, V Magazine, and XXL as part of their 2022 Freshman Class list. Supporting Latto on her nationwide 777 Tour and Lizzo for select dates on her Special Tour, Santana also collaborated with Madonna for a special remix of “Material Girl,” which they performed during Pride Month in NYC, in addition to a breakout performance at the 2022 BET Awards Pre-Show

This past June, Santana also released his hit single “Booty” featuring Latto, which earned critical praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NPR, and more. 

About Saucy Santana

Saucy Santana is a vibrant artist with a bold personality from Perry, Florida. Santana’s first-ever song, “Walk Em Like A Dog,” was a viral hit with tens of millions of streams. In January 2020, he released his first mixtape, Imma Celebrity, which contained the standout track “Material Girl,” which has charted on Spotify and surged on TikTok with millions of video creates. In July 2020, Santana released Pretty Little Gangsta, featuring “Up & Down” with Latto. Santana’s 2020 single “Walk” went viral in 2021 through YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok after being highlighted in the popular multi-platform #WalkChallenge. 

Santana has since collaborated with artists including Madonna, City Girls, Kali, Ivorian Doll, and star EDM DJ R3HAB. Santana’s most recent album, Keep It Playa, features a new hit, “Shisha,” which is poised to be another classic in Saucy Santana’s young and growing career. His strong presence in the LGBTQ+ community, co-signs from Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lizzo, and his infectious personality have combined to rapidly expand his fanbase and worldwide following on social media. In 2022, Saucy Santana signed with RCA Records and released his major label debut single “Booty” featuring Latto in June.

Follow Saucy Santana

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MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE

MARVEL PRIDE

Marvel’s newest celebration of LGBTQIA+ talent and characters arrives tomorrow! Honoring Pride Month, MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 will include seven uplifting and thrilling adventures, including a Young Avengers reunion, Asgard’s first Pride, and the debut of a brand-new mutant hero—ESCAPADE! Fans can get their first look at these stories and more in the all-new MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork!

In the Marvel’s Voices tradition, this diverse collection of tales is brought together by a lineup of new and established talent. It showcases characters from all walks of life and every corner of the Marvel Universe! Here’s a complete list of the stories fans can look forward to this year:

Artist duo and Eisner-nominated cartoonists Ro Stein and Ted Brandt continue this tradition with the debut of ESCAPADE! Readers will meet this all-new trans mutant superhero in a 20-page adventure that will introduce her career as a super thief and set the stage for her exciting future.    

Join the celebration with some of Marvel’s greatest LGBTQIA+ heroes by picking up MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 digitally or at your local comic shop tomorrow! For more information, visit Marvel.

Trans woman, actress, entertainer, TV personality Monroe Alise shot Corey Fletcher speaks to Vaughn Lowery via 360 Magazine podcast

Monroe Alise

Listen to Monroe Alise’s full conversation with Vaughn Lowery on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE

Monroe Alise is an actress, LGBTQIA+ advocate, model and comedienne. As a transgender woman, she has fulfilled her childhood dream of working in the entertainment industry. Her philosophy on life is described in her mantra, “If you can’t laugh at life, you will never find a reason to live it.”

Born and raised in Washington DC, Monroe grew up passionate and inspired by media and entertainment. Her admiration for her father’s successful career as a DJ ignited her insatiable desire to entertain. Thus, she began singing in church, propelling her into the world of artistic expression. 

For Monroe, a great singer consists of emulating your favorite idols while taking advantage of the potential of one’s own voice. As a child, she recalls being compared to artists like John Legend and Luther Vandross because of her tonality and courage. Another favorite is Nina Simone, whom she references while belting evangelical hymns. 

As a youth, Monroe was a very active and social child. She studied sports public relations but fancied theatre. These disciplines were conducive to her discovery of sexuality. Further, she began to notice a direct correlation with her mother’s maternal responsibilites, rather than her father and two brother’s machismo profile. 

According to Monroe, “While they were playing games and sports, I was in the kitchen doing my mom’s hair.” In addition, her openly gay aunt was influential in her gender transformation due to her immense pride and confidence.

Monroe’s gender bender was painstakingly challenging but became easier over time. For instance, while preparing for an acting role as a Trans woman, she became comfortable in this new skin. After the audition, she gave herself permission to continue to live within this newfound reality.

A year later, Monroe made the decision to come out, “I was like, well this is who I am, so I socially reinvented myself and this is the girl you see.” Eventhough the transition embraced authenticity, it was extremely taxing on her family as well as father’s religious convictions.

Lacking legit representation and management, Monroe began to utilize social media to seek opportunities within the realms of fashion and Hollywood. As a thespian, Monroe became enthralled by the portrayal of becoming another homosepian while subsequently having an impact on the world. This year’s main objective is New York City’s Broadway. Her short-term is to star in a sci-fi like Star Trek or Star Wars as well as a fantasy film similar in type to Harry Potter and Twilight. Longterm, Monroe aspires to host a namesake talk show directed and produced by herself.

As an emerging Trans Community activist, Monroe is deeply concerned about the increasing rate of violence against her people. She hopes to alleviate the suffering of her collective, especially at the hands and ignorance of the narrow-minded. 

Monroe’s Five Principles:

1.) Adequate preparation;

2.) prevention of underachievement;

3.) working while you wait without worry;

4.) preparing for your mission;

5.) and continuing to work because you know you’ve been doing the best you could.

Credits:

Article: Andrea Esteban, McKinley Franklin, Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

Photo: Corey Fletcher

Resources:

Trans Lifeline

Human Rights Campaign

Follow Monroe Alise:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter YouTube | Spotify

Check out Monroe on the latest season of P-Valley on Starz.

Marvel comics sneak peak of LGBTQIA cover via 360 magazine

Marvel – Pride Month

Marvel Comics is proud to celebrate Pride Month this year with a monumental giant-sized one-shot showcasing some of comics’ most iconic LGBTQAI+ heroes in an incredible range of stories by LGBTQAI+ superstars and emerging talent! Today, fans can get their first look at a brand-new variant cover for 2022’s MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE drawn by superstar artist Olivier Coipel. Once again lending his acclaimed talents to Marvel’s Pride Month celebration, Coipel’s extraordinary cover showcases three of Marvel’s most prominent LGBTQAI+ heroes: The mutant speedster and first openly gay Marvel hero Northstar, divine warrior Angela, and breakout Young Avenger and star of the upcoming DEFENDERS BEYOND, America Chavez.

Check out Coipel’s uplifting piece below and stay tuned next week for a sneak peek at MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1, including the reveal of the new hero debuting in its pages! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

MARATHOn via 360 Magazine for use by 360 Magazine

The Fastest Woman in the United States

By: Skyler Johnson

Sha’Carri (Shu-Carry) Richardson sported bright orange hair and long painted fingernails as she ran a record 10.86 second time leading her to win first place and become the fastest woman in America. Because of her unique style and short stature she certainly stood out amongst the competition. 

The track athlete is only 21 years old but is proving to be a name you should look out for. After all, she’s set to potentially win gold in Tokyo for the 100m which an American hasn’t won since 1996. 

It was an emotional day for Richardson who after winning went up to her grandmother in the stands. Only two weeks prior, her biological mother died, which she talked about during an interview after the event, where after weeks of having to put on a straight face she finally was able to break and get emotional about her mother’s passing, though despite the tremendous sadness she surely felt she was able to keep herself composed throughout the interview. 

The athlete’s Instagram page proves how much of a legend he is, with the exuding confidence every Olympic athlete must have in order to win. When she was about to re-dye her hair from red, she stated: “Bye bye Red head you put it on them too tuff… what will the next color be.” Her confidence is unmatched, and her performance is as well.  

Sha’Carri sported the orange hair because of a suggestion from her girlfriend, who stated it was loud, encouraging and dangerous. Despite the power it carried on the turf, it’s Sha’Carri and Sha’Carri alone that allowed her to win first place with a solid 0.12 seconds ahead of her competitors. 

You’ll be likely to hear a lot about her during these upcoming Olympics, as while right now she’s the fastest woman in the U.S., she could soon become the fastest woman in the world. 

LGBTQIA via Gabreille Archuletta for use by 360 Magazine

The Importance of One Percent

By: Yuval David

At the start of Pride Month I am feeling proud and challenged.  Proud of the advocacy I do along with other LGBTQ individuals and organizations who are engaged and active in the fight and telling their stories, engaging with their elected officials and with their families and communities. 

A record number of adults in the US identify as LGBTQ.  This increase is propelled by the successes of advocacy and activism. A 2020 survey by Gallup made a more than 1% jump from the last poll in 2017.  According to this poll, 5.6% of Americans openly identify as LGBTQ.  86.7% of Americans identify as heterosexual or straight.  7.6% do not answer the question. And, 5% had a “no opinion” response.

Being counted matters.  18 million adults identify as LGBTQ.  This reflects the greater acceptance in our society and the ability for people to more comfortably express themselves.

For the first time, Gallup more specifically focused on sexual orientation, which also created more awareness of identity. In the past, they only had a yes or no option. But, this poll informed that among adults, 54.6% identify as bisexual, 24.5% identify as gay, 11.7% identify as lesbian, and 11.3% identify as transgender. 

Among the younger adults, from ages 18 to 23, 15.9% identify as LGBTQ. 72% of them identify as bisexual.

What is the takeaway from this?  Advocacy matters. LGBTQ youth are growing up in a more accepting reality. The older generations of activists have paved the way for the younger generations to have the freedoms and acceptance they have today.

A larger percent of the older generations dealt with more family rejection, job losses, loneliness, depression, and even knowing that LGBTQ identity and activity could be a punishable offense. A larger percent of the younger generations have not experienced the same level of needing to be in the closet.

This does not mean that all people, especially younger more impressionable LGBTQ people, are impervious to harsh anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, actions, and legislation. Prejudice against LGBTQ people is still being taught and discussed openly. 

We especially see this from religious communities and leaders who use religion as an excuse to discriminate. For example, the Catholic Church announced again that homosexuals are “objectively disordered.”

The Equality Act is a bill in Congress, that, if passed would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. But, its failing is that is still provides a religious exemption for those who feel that accepting LGBTQ people is against their religious beliefs.

So, I and my other partners in advocacy are still challenged. The LGBTQ Community is also the LGBTQ Movement.  We are striving to empower people to publicly claim their identity, to authentically express who they are.

The Gallup poll numbers provide context and give a perspective to the advancement of the LGBTQ Movement.

I fell in love with my husband before we legally could get married.  We celebrated together with countless supporters of marriage equality when the Supreme Court passed their legislation.  We understood and appreciated the advancement of the movement and our successes that allowed us to express our love and bond in matrimony.  We were recognized in Holy Matrimony in my Jewish faith, but not in my husband’s Catholic faith. 

So, yes, I am proud, but I am also challenged.  We have a long way to go.

To learn more about Yuval Davis, follow him on Instagram and Facebook, or view his imdb profile or Youtube page.

LGBTQIA via Gabreille Archuletta for use by 360 Magazine

Ten Reasons Brands Should Celebrate Pride Month

By: Skyler Johnson 

As Pride Month approaches, it’s expected that we’ll see a number of pride-related products pop up. There are people that think brands celebrating Pride Month is “tacky” or “preachy.” However, it’s still important for brands to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community, even if it’s just in the month of June. Here are a few reasons why:

10. Celebration of Pride Month Wasn’t As Good In 2020

Because of the Black Lives Matter Protests and Covid-19, brands didn’t celebrate Pride Month in 2020 the way they had in previous years. While they could have done both, a lot of companies didn’t. So, it’s extra important this year for brands to show that they still care about LGBTQIA+ individuals through celebrating Pride Month extra hard.

9. Generates Profit for Brands

Statistically, being in support of the LGBTQIA+ community has been shown to increase company sales. People will have more respect for those companies, and will be more likely to purchase their products. 

8. Supports LGBTQIA+ People for No Cost

While brands may have to change the packaging, that’s all they need to do to support Pride Month. There’s no real loss that can be had towards brands celebrating Pride Month, except for a few people thinking that it’s “preachy.”

7. Shows the Power of Brands

Brands are more powerful than you might think. After all, we’re constantly seeing them, and they are always affecting our lives, even if we don’t realize it. Everything we do– from brushing our teeth to putting on clothes–has us interacting with brands. And the actions of brands do affect us. Think about the uproar that Discord received over changing their logo. People got legitimately upset over the actions of a corporation. So people will be affected by brands that are supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, and may change a negative stance if their favorite brand supports it.

6. Recognizes the History of Hate Towards LGBTQIA+ People in the U.S.

It’s sickening how much hatred has been directed towards people just trying to live their lives. For a long time, there were laws that prohibited homosexuality and being trans was virtually impossible. 2015 was the year when gay marriage was declared legal, and that was only six years ago. Because of the long struggle with homophobia and transphobia, it’s important to recognize these people, and show them we care through the brands we as Americans deem as important.

5. Decreases Homophobia and Transphobia in the World

Although Americans are more accepting of LGBTQIA+ individuals compared to other countries (and even we’re not perfect), there are other countries that are much worse. A lot of countries still have laws that prohibit gay and trans individuals from being themselves. Given the international nature of these brands, they can help change the mindsets of people in countries that are much less accepting than the U.S.

4. Encourages Workplace Diversity

If members of the LGBTQIA+ community see that companies support them, they’ll be more likely to apply for jobs within the company. Diversity in the workplace has been shown to increase profit margins. 

3. Raises Awareness

I wouldn’t know about Marsha P. Johnson if they weren’t honored by Google during Pride Month. Brands can give people information on important people in the LGBT community, and makes people aware of history that would otherwise be forgotten. I was never taught about the Stonewall Riots in school, but Google allowed me to find information on this important piece of LGBTQIA+ history.

2. Supports LGBTQIA+ Individuals

LGBTQIA+ artists and creators have been historically marginalized due to their identity. There was a time, not long ago, when your career would end as a result of coming out. Now that there are more and more creatives able to have careers despite, or even because of, their identity. Brands should support those individuals via including them in their ad campaigns or creating a product inspired by them. Smirnoff’s partnership with drag queen Alyssa Edwards is a great example.

1. Gives Brands a Reason to Donate to Show they Care

A lot of brands have donated part of their proceeds to charity. LGBTQIA+ people are thus given the resources they need to survive and thrive.

Basketball illustration by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

North Carolina Introduces Anti-Trans Sports Ban

On Fifth Anniversary of HB 2 ‘Bathroom Bill’ Passage, North Carolina Introduces Anti-Trans Sports Ban.

North Carolina puts forward another anti-transgender bill, again invoking the rhetoric of protecting women and girls from transgender people.

Late Monday, the North Carolina House introduced House Bill 358, an anti-transgender bill that would ban transgender girls and women from participating in sports (including college sports) consistent with their gender identity. The timing of this bill introduction could not have been more ironic, as it came on the eve of the fifth anniversary of Governor Pat McCrory signing the now-notorious House Bill 2, which mandated discrimination against transgender people in bathrooms.

Like HB2, the “Save Women’s Sports” bills rely on false narratives based in fear, rather than facts or science. Like HB2, these sports bans are fear mongering and an attempt to score political points by singling out already marginalized people for additional discrimination.

“In a moment of sad irony, North Carolina legislators have shown they clearly did not learn their lesson from the HB 2 ‘Bathroom Bill’ fight that threatened the state to the tune of billions in revenue, taxpayer-funded litigation, and a tarnished reputation–in addition to the personal reputational harm Gov. Pat McCrory suffered that cost him his job,” said Human Rights Campaign State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel Kate Oakley. “By introducing an anti-transgender sports ban bill, they are playing with fire once again, and engaging in a fight that is doomed to the same fate. This legislation is simply the latest iteration in a failed series of attempts to thwart equality for LGBTQ people. Two conservative governors have either threatened to veto or vetoed anti-transgender sports ban legislation out of the same fears that were realized in North Carolina five years ago. Let North Carolina’s ‘bathroom bill’ fight be a lesson to all states and governors considering anti-transgender legislation this session. North Carolina does not want to go down this road again.”

The legislative fight to pass discriminatory anti-transgender legislation has been fast and furious, led by national groups aiming to stymie LGBTQ progress made on the national level and in many states – quite like the bathroom bill push in 2016. There are 174 anti-LGBTQ bills under consideration in state legislatures across the country so far this year. Of those, 95 directly target transgender people and about half of those would, like HB 358, ban transgender girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. As was the case in the HB 2 fight, legislators across the country invoke hypothetical scenarios of harm but have failed to provide actual examples of issues in their states to attempt to justify these attacks, laying bare the reality that these are attacks on transgender youth that are fueled by discrimination and not supported by fact.  Collegiate and professional sports organizations have had trans-inclusive policies for years without incident, and there is no reason North Carolina or any other state needs a ban on transgender participation in sports.

Wide range of business and advocacy groups, athletes oppose anti-trans legislation

  • Earlier this month, more than 55 major U.S. corporations stood up and spoke out to oppose anti-transgender legislation being proposed in states across the country. New companies like Facebook, Pfizer, Altria, Peloton, and Dell joined companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, AT&T, AirBnB, Google, Hilton, IBM, IKEA, Microsoft, Nike, Paypal, Uber, and Verizon in objecting to these bills.
  • Nearly 550 college athletes have stood up to anti-transgender legislation by demanding the NCAA pull championships from states with anti-trans sports legislation
  • The nation’s leading child health and welfare groups-representing more than 7 million youth-serving professionals and more than 1,000 child welfare organizations-released an open letter calling for lawmakers in states across the country to oppose dozens of bills that target LGBTQ people, and transgender children in particular.

States that pass anti-transgender legislation suffer economic, legal, reputational harm

Analyses conducted in the aftermath of previous divisive anti-transgender bills across the country, like the bathroom bills introduced in Texas and North Carolina and an anti-transgender sports ban in Idaho, show that there would be or has been devastating fallout.

  • The Idaho anti-transgender sports bill that passed was swiftly suspended by a federal district court. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) came out against the Idaho bill and others like it and subsequently moved planned tournament games out of Idaho.
  • The Associated Press projected that the North Carolina bathroom bill could have cost the state $3.76 billion over 10 years.
  • During a fight over an anti-transgender bathroom bill in 2017, the Texas Association of Business estimated $8.5 billion in economic losses, risking 185,000 jobs in the process due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and professional sporting event cancellations, a ban on taxpayer funded travel to those states, cancellation of movie productions, and businesses moving projects out of state.

The economy and reputation of North Carolina suffered very real harm caused by HB2. Here’s just a snapshot of the overwhelming outcry at the time of the bill’s passage:

  • Over 200 major business leaders, from Apple to Zola, signed an open letter to NC Gov. Pat McCrory opposing HB2, because discrimination is bad for business. The letter was first announced on March 29, 2016, when it was hand-delivered to Pat McCrory by HRC President Chad Griffin, Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro and transgender advocate Candis Cox.
  • On April 5, 2016, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman announced that the company will seek an alternative location for its new “global operations center.” PayPal’s investment was expected to bring 400 skilled jobs to North Carolina, with an annual payroll impact of more than $20 million. In its statement, Schulman said, “The new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”
  • On April 8, 2016 Bruce Springsteen cancelled his concert in North Carolina over HB2, saying, “Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry-which is happening as I write-is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”
  • On May 4, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice determined North Carolina’s discriminatory HB 2 violates federal civil rights law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. At a press conference on May 9, Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke directly to the transgender community, saying “We see you. We stand with you, and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.”
  • On July 21, 2016, the NBA decided to stand up to North Carolina lawmakers who refused to repeal HB2 by pulling its 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, NC. Despite the NBA’s repeated warnings that it would have to consider moving the high-profile game out of the state if the anti-LGBTQ law was not repealed, the state’s General Assembly shamefully adjourned after 100 days of inaction.
  • In North Carolina, basketball is king-but that didn’t stop the NCAA from standing up for their LGBTQ players, employees and fans by vowing to move tournament events from the state because of HB2. The NCAA announced that they would move all 2016-2017 championship games out of the state on September 12, 2016.
  • On Election Day, NC Governor Pat McCrory, who signed HB2 into law, was defeated at the ballot box — the only incumbent governor from either party to lose on Election Day. Polling by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research showed that HB2 was the most cited issue leading to McCrory’s defeat in those who voted against McCrory.
  • In February, the North Carolina Sports Association sent a letter to lawmakers warning of a loss of NCAA championship games through 2022 if HB2 is not immediately repealed. In the letter, the sports association warned that the NCAA decision could cost the state at least another half a billion dollars in economic activity when other sports organizations follow the NCAA’s lead in moving events out of the state. In November 2016, Forbes estimated that the state had already lost hundreds of millions of dollars due to HB2.
  • In March, the Greensboro Coliseum Complex revealed it had lost $23.5 million in revenue from various championships and conventions because of HB2.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organizations working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people  are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.