Friday, June 28, 2019
Where's my pride coffee mug?
I was reading some posts regarding the LGBTQ community and how companies do or do not market to us. I know Lurker was one of them, ranting as usual in a way only he can do. There see... I mentioned you... happy now? :D
Anyway I was thinking to myself, where are all the gay pride mugs, what about t-shirts, matching rainbow pillow cases at least? I know you can get them in every gay village, in every city but not on the shelves of mainstream stores. Many businesses and stores say they support the spirit of pride but that's a surprise because I don't see it. Think about St Patrick's day, the stores are filled with hats, t-shirts, mugs, buttons, cards or whatever you can name with a St Patrick's day theme to them, same with Valentine day, no store is worried about the tacky items they put up for sale on that day.
The only one I saw this month was at my bank this morning, an ad was playing inside the bank and a message appeared saying my bank supports the LGBTQ community, then the bank logo popped up, only instead of the regular colours of the bank, it was the pride colours. That actually did make me feel more welcomed.
I have been keeping an eye out and when I am buying groceries or other items at different types of stores, I look for anything to do with pride, so far nothing. In other words, we support our LGBTQ customers as long as they buy the same sh#t as straight people do. Back to the drawing board straight people!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
Here in the states we have big box store (Target, etc) and retailers (Macy’s, etc) having displays and merchandise directed towards the lgbtq community. Plenty of flags and the such. Many banks and corporations have floats in the Pride pared here in Chicago. Many of those Pinkwash and are gay friendly a month a year and then go back to donating to Republican politicians. Others are actually lgbtq friendly and offer benefits to same sex partners and the such.
Some even donate directly to lgbtq charities and non profits.
You should try the HRC equality index. It’s helpful.
XoXo
I think you answered your own question. If they don't carry it, in my mind, then they don't support it. When in Philadelphia a while back to visit Maddie, I got a rainbow mug at a cool gay shop there. It's one of my faves.
Have you even been to a shopping mall?
I agree that food stores and such have not been blaring rainbows. But the shops that sell fashionable clothes sure have. Or maybe your area is very different than mine.
No, wait. I have not seen a lot of Pride merchandise. But I have seen a large number of Pride displays and public proclamations of allyship. Are we talking about different things?
I've seen rainbow-themed t-shirts and stuff in Gap, Baby Gap, American Eagle and some other trendy chain I can't recall right now. In terms of tchotchkes like mugs, keychains and other junk, not so much. But I haven't really been looking either.
When I see Pride related merchandise in stores like J. Crew and the Gap I'm torn. I applaud their support of Pride but I can't help wonder if it's just a marketing ploy to profit off Pride. I'm guessing it's a little of both. To me, support is not offering merchandise, but rather, how they treat their LGBTQ employees on a daily basis.
I don't go shopping as much as I used to. Most of my shopping is online now. But my husband said that quite a few stores that he has been to promote the LGBTQ community. It's bold and beautiful baby.
In the shopping district near where my daughter lives in Richmond, VA, there are a lot of LBGTQ friendly businesses. Many just have a small flag on their doors, some have merchandise. It is a very welcoming place. http://diversityrichmond.org
Sixpence, I'm just not seeing anything pride-ish out when I am shopping.
Cali Boi, I agree with you, I should see something if they support me!
Lurky, asking a gay man if he's been to a shopping mall is like asking a teenage girl if she's been to a shopping mall. Even if they have something hidden out of site, would they do that for any other day or month being celebrated.
Lurker, yes we are talking about different things and no we are not at the same time. I have seen some proclamations. Probably because I tend to stay away from the downtown core, maybe that's why I'm not seeing the pride displays.
Debra, I didn't notice displays but it's too late for me to double check.
Richard, yes how they treat their staff but also it's ok for them to want our business, remember a time when our money wasn't good enough for companies.
Leanna, that's encouraging since I believe you live in Texas which is a little conservative from my understanding.
Michael, that's good to hear, I am personally going to try and only shop in LGBTQ friendly places.
Post a Comment