The answers revealed
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This guide presents simple and practical advice for all of us, as we strive to better support the LGBTQIA+ people in our lives and challenge discrimination facing the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we can help build a safer, kinder and more equal world where human rights are enjoyed by all, regardless of who we love, how we dress or how we identify.
Question 1: A company adds rainbow colours to its logo during Mardi Gras but makes donations to anti-LGBTQIA+ politicians. Is this rainbow washing?
Answer: A. Yes, if a company adds rainbow colours to its logo during Mardi Gras but makes donations to politicians with anti-LGBTQIA+ agendas, this is rainbow washing. The company is taking advantage of Mardi Gras to lift its public perception whilst funding campaigns that seek to take away LGBTQIA+ rights.
Question 2: A company launches an advertisement featuring a gay couple, but is not a safe workplace for LGBTQIA+ staff. Is this rainbow washing?
Answer: A. Yes, if a company launches an advertisement featuring a gay couple, but does not provide a safe workplace for its LGBTQIA+ staff, this is rainbow washing. The company’s allyship is performative because it wants to profit from appearing supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community, without taking concrete, longer-term steps to support its LGBTQIA+ staff.
Question 3: A company regularly uses its social media platforms to raise awareness and campaign against laws restricting LGBTQIA+ rights. Is this rainbow washing?
Answer: B. No, if a company regularly uses its social media platforms to raise awareness and campaign against laws restricting LGBTQIA+ rights, this is not rainbow washing. The company genuinely supports and takes action for LGBTQIA+ rights all year round.
Question 4: A company sells rainbow merchandise during Pride month, but doesn’t donate any proceeds to non-profit LGBTQIA+ organisations. Is this rainbow washing?
Answer: A. Yes, if a company sells rainbow merchandise during Pride month, but doesn’t donate any proceeds to non-profit LGBTQIA+ organisations, this is rainbow washing. The company is publicly aligning itself with the LGBTQIA+ community for monetary gain without actually investing in the very community it is profiting from.
You are part of a movement defending equality and demanding safety for all.
From all of us at Amnesty, thank you. Your support as an ally is changing lives.