David&Goliath launches inclusivity initiative in support of Pride
Many people think it’s easy to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. All you have to do is show up to the parade and wave a rainbow flag, right? While that certainly counts, it can take much more to fully express advocacy. That’s why agency David&Goliath is launching ‘For the Brave Who Want to Speak Up,’ an inclusivity initiative covering gender identity, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ definitions and inclusive language.
David&Goliath's Pride initiative
Starting June 25 during Pride month, experts from the LA’s LGBT Center and the Transgender Economic Empowerment Project (TEEP) will be available through an Instagram Story takeover to respond to questions and provide insight into what’s appropriate in social situations. And on June 27, during D&G’s weekly Thirsty Thursdays’ happy hour, TEEP will be available for a live Q&A with the agency for those who have questions.
“Even though we are ‘allies’, and fully support the LGBTQIA+ community,” said David Angelo, founder and chairman of David&Goliath, “we acknowledge that we too have a lot to learn from experts to dispel this language barrier and help us and other allies feel confident in speaking up on the community’s behalf – as well as how to properly communicate with them. Which is why we wanted to do our part in providing a safe space to ask those important questions.”
The initiative does not stop when June ends, however. ‘For the Brave Who Want to Speak Up’ is only one part of a larger collaboration between David&Goliath and LGBTQ+ organizations to build a mobile-friendly website that will function as the ally’s guide to inclusive language and etiquette. People will be able to access the site when it launches in June, 2020, just in time for next year’s Pride Month.
“The bravest thing any person can do is stay true to who they are. It’s the fabric of our agency culture and we continue to inspire our employees, brands, friends and family to do the same,” said Angelo. “Words and language matter and carry a lot of power. In our industry, we rely on words to move people and create impact. What you call someone has meaning. And as easy as language can validate and acknowledge a person’s identity, true self, it also has the power to dismiss it.”
The LGBTQ+ community is looking for more authenticity from brands around Pride and support.