In response to a doubling of LGBTQ+ hate crime between 2017 and 2021, Outvertising has launched a new Advocacy & Activism to pressure brands to actively and more effectively use their influence to combat LGBTQ+ prejudice.
Core to the workstream’s remit is a focus on transphobia, with a new YouGov report showing that half of Britons say prejudice against transgender Britons is a major or significant problem in Britain today.
Spearheading these efforts are Co-Directors Marty Davies (they/them) and Ant Jackson (she/her). In the shadow of big-budget Pride sponsorships, Marty and Ant aim to unite inclusive organisations, people, and brands to help turn purpose-led efforts into real, impactful action.
As a first step they are inviting like-minded queer talent and allies to join Outvertising and help the organisation progress towards its goal of making UK advertising and marketing completely LGBTQ+ inclusive.
““Every person within the industry has a choice: to continue creating short-term solutions that look great as a case study film, or work together to create long-term strategies that solve some of the world’s real problems. If making a pride-coloured logo was effective, why is it that homophobic and trans-hate continues to rise? When a queer Female Creative Director in our own industy has received death threats what will it take for us to say enough is enough? It’s time we all started to think smarter.””
““As queer people who understand the power of advertising and brands, we are in an enviable position to harness the power of brands to defend and progress LGBTQIA+ liberation. I believe brands advocating for LGBTQIA+ people need not be cynical, in fact it can and should play a critical role in the usualising of queer lives.””
Hate crime, England and Wales, 2020 to 2021, Home Office, 2021
Where does the British public stand on transgender rights in 2022?, YouGov, (2022)