UNFI’s Post

It’s Pride month. Let the pride washing commence. Companies that have never spoken about, shared, took a stance on, or took action on LGBTQ+ rights will now be donning the old rainbow flag to cash in on pride month, and tick a diversity box. Even companies that support politicians and parties with poor LGBTQ+ records will throw on a rainbow to get in on the action. We see you. We don’t need “awareness”, everyone’s heard of us. We need action. Here’s an easy win - start publishing how much of your pride month profits you’re donating. #lgbtq #pride #pridewashing

It's World Pride Month....and sorry adding a rainbow to your product is not Allyship - it's marketing. While it's wonderful to see rainbows everywhere, it's important to remember that true allyship goes beyond adding a rainbow to your product or website. Allyship means: ❤️ Listening and Learning: Taking the time to understand the experiences and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. 💜 Supporting and Empowering: Amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, and advocating for equal rights. 💙 Creating Inclusive Environments: Ensuring your workplace and products are genuinely inclusive and safe for everyone, not just during Pride Month but all year round. 💛 Taking Action: Donating to LGBTQ+ causes, participating in events, and pushing for policies that support the community. Adding a rainbow to your product can be a symbol of support, but without meaningful action, it risks being seen as just another marketing tactic. Let's make this World Pride Month not just about visible support, but about real, impactful allyship. Together, we can make a difference. #worlpridemonth #LGBTQplusallyship #inclusiveworkplace #realsupport

Welcome to 2024! Our founder Joshua Hobson has written a letter to the community to summarise the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and across the world, and where we see Ecommerce Pride in relation to this. Read more: http://bit.ly/3vKPFR6 As we stand on the threshold of 2024, we find it necessary to reflect upon the current state of LGBTQ+ rights both domestically and globally, and how these have impacted the first year of Ecommerce Pride’s run. Our objectives - fostering a vibrant LGBTQ+ ecommerce community, offering valuable resources to brands and companies, and supporting local and national LGBTQ+ charities - remain pivotal. These objectives are not just aspirations; they're our collective responsibility. Read more: http://bit.ly/3vKPFR6 #lgbt #lgbtq #ecommerce #retail

🌈 **Reflecting on Rainbow Washing: A Call for Authenticity in Corporate Diversity Efforts** As Pride Month approaches, we see a surge of corporations donning rainbow colors. While this show of support can be heartening, it's crucial to distinguish between genuine allyship and "rainbow washing." Rainbow washing happens when companies use rainbow motifs or LGBTQ+ support to appear inclusive without taking concrete actions to support these communities. It can undermine the genuine struggles for equality and inclusion faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Here are a few thoughts on how businesses can avoid rainbow washing and practice authentic support: 1. **Long-term Commitment:** Diversity and inclusion should be a year-round endeavor, not just a once-a-year campaign. 2. **Policies and Practices:** Implement and maintain inclusive policies that protect and benefit LGBTQ+ employees. 3. **Community Engagement:** Support local LGBTQ+ initiatives and charities not just financially but through active participation and advocacy. Let’s encourage and hold accountable those around us to do more than just wear the rainbow. Let’s be the rainbow that lights up all year round, representing true colors of support and inclusion. #DiversityAndInclusion #PrideMonth #AuthenticAllyship #CorporateResponsibility

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While Pride Month shines a light on diversity and inclusion, a common sight is companies sporting rainbow logos and limited-edition merchandise. This practice, known as "rainbow washing" or "pinkwashing," can have unintended consequences. Initially, widespread corporate support can feel validating for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the realization that much of this support lacks substance can lead to feelings of betrayal, cynicism, and disappointment. Here's how we promote authenticity: 🌈 Look beyond the rainbow and assess companies' LGBTQ+ rights contributions 🌈 Encourage companies to be transparent about their efforts to create an inclusive workplace. 🌈 Advocate for resources flowing directly to LGBTQ+ organizations. Remember to support LGBTQ+ creators, donate to charities, and hold companies accountable always and not just during #Pride!

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 Pride Month is here. Let's stand together as allies and celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity. Discover how you can become a powerful ally... 🌈 EDUCATE Expand your knowledge by reading books, articles, and watching documentaries about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and struggles. Understanding the experiences of the community will help you become a more informed ally. 🌈 AMPLIFY LGBTQ+ VOICES Use your platform to uplift and amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Share their stories, art, and achievements on social media, and actively engage in conversations that promote inclusivity and equality. 🌈 SUPPORT LGBTQ+ BUSINESSES Show your support by shopping at LGBTQ+-owned businesses, donating to organizations, or attending events. Your patronage and contributions can make a significant impact. 🌈 TAKE ACTION It's time to be an active ally. Stand up against discrimination, challenge harmful stereotypes, and support policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world. Together, we can create a world where everyone can be their authentic selves. #PrideMonth #LGBTQAlly #LoveIsLove #LasVegasPride

Happy Pride Month!!! 🏳️🌈 As we celebrate, let’s remember that Pride isn’t just about parades and parties; it’s about community, understanding, and taking action. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate Pride with your colleagues and friends: 🌈 Learn and Grow: Attend talks or workshops that focus on LGBTQ+ history and issues. Knowledge is the ally’s best tool! 🌈 Connect Through Creativity: Organize a get-together to create Pride-themed art or crafts. It’s a fun way to express support and add a personal touch to the celebration. 🌈 Support Through Giving: Identify and donate to charities that work tirelessly for LGBTQ+ causes. Every little bit helps! 🌈 Join the Parade: There’s power in numbers! March in your local Pride parade to show solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ rights. 🌈 Advocate for Change: Use this month to start conversations about inclusivity in your workplace. Encourage policy reviews to ensure everyone feels safe and valued. Pride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights. Let’s use this month to reflect on our progress towards equality and to recommit to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity every day. ❤️ #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #UnityInDiversity #StandWithPride #Inclusion #Diversity

Our new blog is now live! We would really like to thank Allan Nunes Messias for his valuable insight.

🛍 There is quite a bit I could say here, but I will keep it simple. If you are purchasing Pride 🌈 themed products, please take time to research the brand you are purchasing from to ensure there is an authentic and intentional connection and/or give back to the LGBTQ+ community. Also, if you are a brand owner (outside of the LGBTQ+ community) that is selling Pride themed products, commit to donating the proceeds to an LGBTQ+ organization. Otherwise, both of these examples are forms of performative capitalism and allyship. Note: Be kind to yourself. Nobody is perfect and it is hard sometimes to know the connection and giveback to the LGBTQ+ community. Do the best you can and commit to expanding your research with each purchase. ❤️ I have lots more tips about brands and Pride purchasing, please feel free to reach out if you need support in this part of your allyship journey! #BrandAuthenticity #Pride2024 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+