Disclaimer: We were hesitant to post about this, we didn't want to be 'that company' that jump on the bandwagon just because. But with everything happening in the world this year we feel it's more important that ever to show our support and stand for equality. In all forms.
PRIDE. Gay pride or LGBT pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a social group. LGBT Pride month is celebrated annually in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots occurred in June 1969 to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ Americans. . Patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in NYC staged an uprising to resist police harassment and persecution which LGBT Americans were subjected.
As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world.
I will never forget my first ever PRIDE parade. London, 2018. I've never experienced anything close to that in my life. It started on Portland Place, moves along Oxford Circus and Regent Street to Picadilly Circus, before passing Trafalgar Square to Whitehall. Block after block was lined with people wearing pride hats, whistles wrapped in PRIDE flag. Whoops and laughter were heard all around.
It was a celebration.
Brands after brands took part in the March. ASOS, AXA, Twitter, Starbucks and even the House of Parliment! The March was endless! It was an atmosphere you could soak in and never forget. As cliche as it sounds, you could feel the immense love and support emitting from everyone there. Of course there will always be haters but at least love & being who you are was allowed, publicly.
Back in Singapore, we of course have Pink dot. A non-profit movement started by a group of individuals who are about the LGBTQ community here in Singapore. Supporting the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to love.
'Tolerant' is the word Singaporeans are using when talking about LGBTQ community or Racism. Why not Acceptance, or Embrace. We are a first world country and yet, our views and perception does not seem to accelerate as quickly as our country did. Till now, I can't fathom and understand the fear of homosexuality that would spur 28,000 Singaporeans to sign the petition to block the LGBTQ rally from happening online this year.
That being said, we are excited to see companies in Singapore are stepping up in their own way. Deliveroo rebranded to Deloveroo in celebration of Pride month. Micheal Kors decked out rainbow theme decor at their retail front last year and Ette Tea rolled our a special tea flavour for pride month 'Rainbow'.
we think its not a coincidence 'we' and 'win' are part of wine ;)
How and when will this mentality change? To accept that everyone deserves the love they seek. Pride month shouldn't have to be celebrated in specific months..
Everyday should be PRIDE.
