By Derek Barnes–
Significant progress has been made to support the LGBTQ+ community’s efforts to gain greater visibility and equality. Despite more recent political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and protections, we’ve seen more allyship and wider acceptance from the broader population over the last several decades. Given that LGBTQ+ individuals form a prominent segment of the U.S. population, the strength of our community’s buying and political power is also undeniable. There has been tremendous wealth-building in distinct groups within the lesbian and gay community that has always fueled grassroots efforts, greater charitable giving, and philanthropy.
Gay and lesbian leadership within corporate America has also increased in executive roles, on boards, and in influential nonprofit organizations. Today, more Fortune 500 companies embrace the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community as part of their diversity and inclusion strategic objectives. However, this rise in influence and power may explain the anti-woke and progressive sentiments expressed today by the radical right.
Some of the largest American-based corporations—JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, American Express, Apple, and Bank of America—have shown more explicit support for the LGBTQ+ community. For example, JPMorgan Chase announced a five-year, $100 million commitment to support LGBTQ+ organizations in the U.S. and worldwide. Walmart also formed an advisory council for its LGBTQ+ employees and donated to related causes. Similarly, Apple expanded its “Everyone Can Code” programming initiative to include LGBTQ+ youth development and launched more openminded and friendly company policies. Clearly, gay dollars are good for big business.
During Pride Month, we see a steady stream of Pride flags waved in parades, corporate-sponsored Pride events, and a plethora of rainbow merchandise and insignia within the spaces of these mega-organizations. But are they doing enough to support the community holistically, given the commercial dollars we pour into these businesses annually? Additionally, are they helping the factions of the queer community that are often in more dire need of support—communities of color, immigrants, and transgender people? Are we holding these companies accountable to the significant marketing commitments they proclaim in their philanthropic, diversity, inclusion, and equity objectives?
It’s worth noting that while there’s been a corporate embrace of LGBTQ+ dollars via target marketing efforts, there is a noticeable decrease in actual philanthropic contributions from the largest American-based corporations. This decrease is especially evident compared to the contributions made by smaller organizations, which often contributed more financially and by creating spaces for LGBTQ+ inclusion than large corporations. For example, some have been very critical of Apple not doing more LGBTQ+ philanthropic work, given its global revenue, the community’s loyalty to the brand, and that its CEO is an openly gay man. It’s a valid observation and criticism.
Generally, corporatizing Gay Pride Month was a step forward in market acceptance. Learning the differences between corporate support and actual philanthropic contributions is necessary. With media influence and marketing power, large corporations helped bring more inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. That’s important. Still, their philanthropic contributions lack the depth and authenticity many queer activists expect. On the other hand, smaller organizations and individual efforts have made tremendous strides in changing policies and creating safe spaces for the full range of LGBTQ+ people and their needs.
Beyond the commercialization of Pride, June allows us time to reflect and celebrate our collective accomplishments, acknowledge those who came before us (shoulders we stand on), and to continue the work required to ensure we lift all marginalized groups. I refer to ” the work” that’s focused on continued advocacy, activism, and philanthropy. “The work” should be informed by why—why is this work important.
But our memories get shorter as time passes, and why we do “the work” becomes more obscure. We can forget the magnitude of moments (the why) that created social movements that are so intrinsically interconnected: abolition of slavery, women’s rights and suffrage, labor rights, civil rights, voting rights, gay rights, and now transgender rights. We can use the playbook or framework from one movement to engage new movements that advance greater justice, equity, and equal rights for all. We should not lose sight of the importance of acknowledging what and who sparks a movement and why they happen in the first place.
Why do we celebrate in June? Some may already know that Pride Month honors the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City and the subsequent gay rights activism that followed. The Stonewall uprising was a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBT community in response to a police raid of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Key leaders of the uprising included Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—members of the Gay Liberation Front who organized a series of protests and marches in the days following the Stonewall event.
The first organized gay march in the U.S. was held on June 28, 1970, called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. It was organized by the Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activists Alliance, and the Mattachine Society, to name a few. About 5,000 people attended the event, many wearing paper-mâché masks or paper bags to conceal their identity. It’s hard to imagine hiding our identities in a Gay Pride Parade today. The injustice and police brutality ultimately led to the first gay rights marches held in cities across the U.S. in the following year. This perpetual and institutionalized violence still plagues many communities today.
The Stonewall uprising marked a significant turning point in the history of gay rights in the United States. It launched a new era of allyship, advocacy, and activism—similar to earlier human rights movements. In June, we celebrate the gains made in the fight for equality, and it gives us space to acknowledge people who are still struggling to be fully accepted and supported today. Remember this when you see the perfectly merchandised rainbow mugs in a Starbucks’ display.
Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all. Pride Month in June is much more than the parties we attend, LGBTQ+ flag-bearing sponsored events, or retail marketing campaigns and merchandising to court our dollars. Our collective struggle and pain should not be so cheap. As individuals, we must stand against injustice whenever we see it—silence equals death. As a community, we must hold our political leaders accountable for the change we want and demand more from businesses that commercialize Pride Month without fully engaging their philanthropic responsibility and commitments.
Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association (www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the board of Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF and on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF
Social Philanthropreneur
Published on June 22, 2023
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