Unabashedly Boasting: Steven Braines
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Building a more inclusive world for the LGBTQIA+ community is an ongoing process, and everyone has a role to play. One voice that emphasizes this importance is Steven Braines, CEO of The Weird & The Wonderful and HE.SHE.THEY. Braines believes that businesses should do more than just support during Pride Month; they should hand the mic over to LGBTQIA+ workers and collaborate year-round.
Braines encourages brands, artists, promoters, and labels to support LGBTQIA+ rights beyond June. Effective ways to do this include building year-round partnerships with organizations that advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, such as Family Equality, and sponsoring events like Family Week or continuous fundraising efforts.
Another approach is to develop programs and events that address concrete community needs. Examples include housing resource fairs, youth health workshops, and inclusive cultural events like queer dance nights or comedy shows featuring LGBTQIA+ artists. Creating safe social spaces is crucial, especially in cities where LGBTQIA+ individuals may not feel safe walking hand in hand or kissing publicly.
Braines also highlights the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and cultures. This can be achieved by adopting inclusive language, providing mental health resources, offering training about LGBTQIA+ issues and challenges, using visible allyship year-round (e.g., pronouns in email signatures, degendered uniforms), and promoting safe spaces within organizations.
Authenticity is key when supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Braines warns against "rainbow washing," or applying rainbow branding during Pride Month but showing a superficial commitment to equity, education, and representation. Instead, brands should show a genuine, ongoing commitment to these values.
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is not just about marketing campaigns during Pride Month. It's about continuous engagement, meaningful action on real issues, and fostering inclusivity. Resources like the Queer Nightlife Fund (queernight.life), Stonewall Community Foundation (stonewallfoundation.org), Gendered Intelligence (genderedintelligence.co.uk), GLAAD (glaad.org), and the Stonewall Community Foundation (stonewallfoundation.org) can provide more information and opportunities to get involved.
Let's remember that the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is far from over. In 64 countries, same-sex activity is criminalized, and in 9, it is punishable by death. Issues like banning conversion therapy and not vilifying trans/nb people are still relevant today. By supporting the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, we can help create a world where everyone can feel seen, safe, and valued.
- In the realms of fashion-and-beauty, more brands are embracing personal-growth principles, integrating diversity and inclusivity into their marketing efforts, following Steven Braines' lead.
- Social-media platforms are increasingly featuring big-wins stories of personal-growth within the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a platform for self-expression and empowerment.
- Some celebrities, inspired by the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, are using their influence to support education-and-self-development initiatives in this area, highlighting the interconnection between entertainment, politics, and pop-culture.
- In the casino-and-gambling industry, certain personalities are advocating for responsible-gambling and promoting diversity within gambling trends, breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusivity in the sector.
- Weather forecasting apps are expanding their reach to include LGBTQIA+-friendly weather alerts and resources, underlining the importance of safety in all aspects of life.
- Sports organizations, too, are embracing the principles of inclusivity and diversity in sports-betting and other parts of the industry, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued.
- In Las Vegas, the city known for its casinos and entertainment, casino-personalities are teaming up with LGBTQIA+ advocates to create casino-games that promote inclusivity, diversifying the gaming landscape.
- Lotteries across the globe have begun sponsoring events focused on LGBTQIA+ rights and self-acceptance, demonstrating a commitment to social-responsibility and community engagement.
- year-round partnerships between businesses and organizations advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights extend to sports, politics, and general-news media, amplifying diverse voices and fostering a more inclusive world.
- Fighting against crime-and-justice issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community becomes a holistic endeavor, requiring collaboration between various sectors, from academia to activism and beyond.
- With the rise of pop-culture platforms and digital advocacy, the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights gains momentum, inspiring followers to engage in the conversation, share resources, and take action to promote inclusivity.
- Educational programs focused on LGBTQIA+ issues and history have gained traction in schools and universities, helping to combat ignorance and fostering a more informed and accepting society.
