Rainbow washing has become a prevalent phenomenon in recent years as more and more corporations embrace LGBTQ+ Pride during the month of June by incorporating rainbow flags, logos, and slogans into their branding. Kush Queen is taking a stand against inauthentic support and down right exploitation of the community we fight for and hold dear to our hearts. This year and every year since inception, Kush Queen is calling for year around support and action supporting LGBTQ+ communities. 

Rainbow Washing - What Is It? 

Rainbow washing refers to the act of companies and brands exploiting LGBTQ+ symbols and messages during Pride Month for marketing purposes, without actively supporting the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ communities. While some businesses genuinely advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, others engage in performative allyship to benefit from the growing support for equality, without making a meaningful and sustained impact. In more recent years, rainbow washing was turned into a cash grab for companies to turn on during the month of June while the community and supporting the cause garners a lot of attention. 

The rainbow filter refers to the practice of applying a rainbow-colored overlay to profile pictures or images on social media platforms during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. While the intentions behind using the rainbow filter may be well-meaning, there are some concerns regarding its potential negative impact. 

• Performative Allyship: Where individuals or organizations merely show support for the LGBTQ+ communities superficially without taking meaningful action or addressing systemic issues.

• Symbolic but Ineffective: While the rainbow filter is intended to symbolize solidarity with the LGBTQ+ communities, it often lacks substantive action and tangible support for LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion.

• Oversimplification of Pride: Pride represents a significant historical and ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, acceptance, and visibility. Reducing it to a simple filter can undermine the depth and complexity of the LGBTQ+ experience and the ongoing fight for equality.

• Slacktivism: Low-effort, feel-good activities without actively pursuing meaningful change. Individuals may believe they are making a difference without actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights or supporting relevant organizations and initiatives.

Rainbow washing can have detrimental effects on the LGBTQ+ communities.

When companies engage in superficial displays of support during Pride Month while failing to back it up with substantive action, it diminishes the significance of Pride and diverts attention from important issues affecting the community. This practice can lead to a sense of tokenism, erasure, and the co-opting of the movement, while hindering actual progress towards equality and acceptance. 

Gay Pride Apparel - Beyond Commercialization

Gay pride apparel, such as t-shirts, accessories, and flags, serves as a means of self-expression and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. However, the commercialization of Pride Month has raised concerns. While individuals may proudly wear rainbow-themed apparel to show their support and identity, the mass production and sale of such items by corporations can be seen as exploitative. This commodification risks overshadowing the deeper meaning of Pride, reducing it to a mere marketing opportunity rather than a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and equality.

Positive Ways to Support Pride & The LGBTQ+ Communities

Support LGBTQ+ Charities

When it comes to championing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ communities, supporting LGBTQ+ charities is undeniably one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. By directing your support towards these organizations, you can contribute to a range of vital initiatives and services that directly benefit the communities. From promoting education and awareness to providing crucial support services, LGBTQ+ charities play a pivotal role in empowering individuals, advocating for equality, and fostering a more inclusive society. By supporting these charities, you can help amplify their efforts, create meaningful change, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we can pave the way towards a future that embraces diversity, celebrates love, and ensures equal rights for all.

Consider contributing to these organizations supporting LGBTQ+ education, people, and resources:

• PFLAG - PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
• The Ali Forney Center - the largest LGBT community center helping LGBTQ homeless youth in the United States. The AFC both manages and develops transitional housing for its clients.
• Find A Local Organization - We encourage you to look into local organizations supporting efforts that impact your local community. 

Participate in Pride Parades

Join our Commitment Of Year Around Support

As we wrap up an eventful Pride Month at Kush Queen, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey and reiterate our steadfast commitment to the LGBTQ+ communities. This past month, we've seen your passion and love pour out through participation in our initiatives and through your heartfelt stories.

However, our dedication to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights doesn't stop as Pride Month ends. We believe in standing up for equality, diversity, and inclusivity every day of the year.

As we move forward, we promise to continue creating a safe, welcoming space for all, promoting understanding, and giving back to the community that has enriched us with so much love and strength.

Your support and loyalty empower us in our mission, and we thank you for being a part of the Kush Queen family. Together, let's continue to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and spread love unabated.

Our journey with the LGBTQ+ communities continues, and we are excited for what's to come.