At Speed, we want to make sure everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work and that our comms are inclusive for all. This is why Pride is so important to us today and every day – and why we’ve been running a number of activities in recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community. From a flag showcase to a dedicated film night, we’ve been taking the time to reflect on the importance of Pride, deepen our understanding and have some fun along the way! Read below to explore the highlights:
Pride Inspired
As part of our monthly creative sharing sessions, we placed the focus on campaigns, individuals and initiatives that are helping to push LGBTQIA+ representation forward. The team had some really thoughtful discussions around each example that was shared, acknowledging the progress that has been made and the change still needed across PR, marketing and advertising. The most impactful examples shared clear messages and kept community at the heart of their activations. Here are three of the team’s top choices:
Starbucks – ‘Every name’s a story’
– A video ad that brings to the life the positive power of using an individual’s chosen name.
The Aids Memorial
– An Instagram page providing a space to remember individuals who have lost their lives to AIDS, alongside activists, carers and allies.
Ben & Jerry’s Poland – ‘The Unbreakable Rainbow’
– A campaign video spotlighting a regional activation in Poland that defended and upheld the visibility of local LGBTQIA+ people.
Pride flag display
The Speed office was decorated with a colourful array of Pride flags, reflecting a broad spectrum of different sexualities and gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. We learnt more about the three progressive iterations of the rainbow Pride flag and also recognised flags which represent specific individuals, including the Asexual, Nonbinary and Pansexual Pride flags.
Pride film night – Paris Is Burning
We set up our first ever Pride film night with a screening of the landmark documentary Paris Is Burning. Capturing the vibrant New York ballroom scene of the late 80s, the documentary highlights the vital role this community played in providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the face of discrimination. The film night gave Speedsters a lot to think about:
“It was great to be able to share our reactions to this funny, mesmerising yet tragic part of LGBTQIA+ history. Whilst Paris is Burning is perhaps the best display of NYC ballroom house culture, we all agreed it should be more widely known as many of us hadn’t even heard of it before.”
“As a fan of Drag Race, I’ve always been curious about the origins of ballroom, so it was great to watch such an educational and interesting film. I wasn’t expecting the film to be quite so poignant, and it was a great reminder that while parts of gay culture are more celebrated now, this has by no means always been the case.”
Bristol Pride Day
A number of Speedsters stepped out for Bristol Pride on Saturday 13th July. With a vibrant parade around central Bristol in the morning, followed by a day of fabulous musical and drag performances on The Downs, it’s safe to say the Speed contingent had a ball!
We’ve learnt a lot from these activities, but Pride doesn’t stop here. With important conversations started across the team, we will be continuing to think about how we can champion the values of Pride for our colleagues, clients and community.
Shaun Hickman (He/Him) – Social Media Consultant