Megan Dunphy’s Post

Hey Target, So you've made the cowardly decision to scale back the availability of your Pride Month collection due to conservative blowback. As a transgender man, it's infuriating and embarrassing to see a company with such a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion continue to buckle under pressure from people who choose to hate others for simply existing as they are. You're sending a clear message that profit outweighs principles, and that's not something I can support. Pride Month is about visibility, celebration, and acceptance, not about caving in to bigotry and intolerance. While I know you won't listen, I urge you to reconsider your stance and reaffirm your commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, both during Pride Month and throughout the year. Don't let the voices of hate drown out the voices of love and acceptance. By the way, if anyone is "battered," it's our community - not Target. #BoycottTarget #Target #ProfitOverPrinciples #HateWins #Discrimination #LGBTQIA

Relax. Evidence suggests a #boycott of your company over its #LGBTQ+ efforts will likely fail. (Provided you don't mismanage the situation.) Read my newest #BlogPost. #ESG #CSR #SocialJustice

Good for Macy's. As I've been sharing this year again and again, the Association of National Advertisers' Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (ANA AIMM) 2023 study shows that standing with LGBTQ is the better business decision: the vast majority of consumers are in favor of LGBTQ equality, LGBTQ inclusive marketing, and will walk away from brands when they cave. 👉 77% of the general population are comfortable with gay and lesbian representation in ads, while 22% are not comfortable 👉 74% of the general population are comfortable with transgender representation in ads, while 26% are uncomfortable 👉 Four in 10 consumers show greater motivation to support brands that take LGBTQ+ marketing efforts; three in 10 remain neutral 👉 For every consumer supporting brands that back down from LGBTQ+ advertising, there are 1.8 consumers who would withdraw support from brands that acquiesce to anti-LGBTQ+ attacks 👉 Consumers are twice as likely to withdraw support for a brand that scales back its LGBTQ+ advertising due to criticism, with women being 40% more likely than men to withdraw their support 👉 50% of non-LGBTQ+ self-identified allies would withdraw support from brands that back down from inclusive advertising efforts due to criticism More on the ANA study here: https://lnkd.in/eg42KqiX https://lnkd.in/gvSMuS7t

“The ‘globalised nature of digital media’ means what affects American LGBTQIA+ communities affects LGBTQIA+ communities across the globe. As much as these things originate in the United States, there's a clear and present danger across jurisdictions. In a relatively tolerant and more secular society like Australia, we need to remain vigilant to make sure that we stem the flow of this anti-LGBTQIA+ misinformation." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is monitoring approximately 523 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country as of the publication of this article. Over 300 of these bills were introduced in January, and 149 of them have advanced or been legislated. Types of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced include: · barriers to accurate IDs · free speech and expression abns · healthcare restrictions* · public accommodation bans · restricting student and educator rights* · weakening civil rights laws* · other anti-LGBTQ+ laws · NB: *denotes the overwhelming majority of these restrictions We must continue our work to ensure the misinformation and disinformation of our communities is ceased; and to ensure our communities are protected from the violence perpetuated against us. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gEjEYTcU #LGBTQ #Inclusion #Equality #Awareness #Visibility #Educate #Allies #Impact #Pride #America #Australia #StayVigilant

It's really quite interesting to watch the PR industry navigate this year's pride month, with keywords like backlash and politics constantly popping up. Corporate moves and pullbacks - read my blog below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/eZPtskrw #Pride2024 #LGBTQInclusion #CorporateResponsibility #MediaMonitoring

🧡 We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lauri Carleton last weekend, who fell victim to an act of anti-LGBTQ+ violence simply for displaying a Pride flag in her shop window. While not a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Lauri was a shining example of an ally—a voice for equality and acceptance for all. Allies are pillars of strength in the LGBTQ+ movement, amplifying voices that need to be heard. An ally stands up for fairness and equality, even when it doesn't directly impact them. In a world where inclusivity is crucial, allies play a pivotal role in creating environments where everyone feels welcomed. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve a world free from prejudice, but achieving that goal takes collective effort. By being an ally, you contribute to combatting ignorance and eliminating the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Your support matters—it fosters safer coming-out journeys and encourages a broader understanding of equality and mutual respect. Here are 5 ways you can be an extraordinary ally: 👂 Avoid assumptions: Embrace the diversity of identities. Don't assume someone's sexuality or gender identity. 🤝 Listen with intent: Actively seek to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals—educate yourself. 🌟 Recognize privilege: If you have it, use it to uplift those who don't. 🌍 Foster inclusivity: Embrace gender-neutral language, share your pronouns, and ensure everyone feels a part. 🛡️ Stand against discrimination: Challenge offensive remarks and educate those around you. Being a remarkable LGBTQ+ ally is a journey unique to each of us. Let's honor Lauri's memory by continuing the work she championed. Our hearts go out to Lauri's loved ones. 🕊️ To make a contribution to the Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ fund in Lauri’s name, please visit: https://bit.ly/3OTUMnS #StandWithLGBTQ+ #EqualityForAll #AllyshipMatters | https://bit.ly/45r4e9i

**businesses/cities/leaders need to better understand the coming summer protests (there will be major protests see comments) to prepare in advance their comms, property, customer/worker relations strategy and response. A big lesson is that protests may start with 1 issue but multiple diverse issues emerge as ancillary groups join in. **so you need to form strategy that is agile enough to pivot when needed or cover multiple issues (mid east conflict, abortion, immigration, inflation and anti-racial social justice). This is based on research I read while considering what’s coming: 👉🏻”In addition to these anti-racist motivations, protesters reported numerous other reasons for participating. About a-third of those surveyed also reported being motivated by women’s rights (39%), LGBTQ rights (36%), or immigration rights (29%) to join the protests.

What are Amy M. Vance and Martha Martin (and the members of CatholicVote) so afraid of: That young people will be enlightened about inclusivity? That libraries will be a place for curiosity and learning? That we all (reference to picture) all find our voices and lead fulfilling lives? At the heart of this story are a couple of things: 1. The push by conservatives to silence #LGBTQ people and erase as many references to us as possible; 2. The move by conservatives to truly create an authoritarian state where only those who were once dominant cling to their cruel view of the world; and 3. Why electing #queer people to political offices matter. The brilliant idea here of showering this library with new books is awesome. And it shows that while it may take time, we one day will truly have an inclusive country -- which is dependent on all of us responding to hate and taking actions to ensure our dignity, justice and equality.

What is the Target boycott? In May 2023, Target became embroiled in a significant controversy as consumers chose to sever their commercial and social connections with the retailer in protest. The catalyst for this boycott was Target’s presentation of products related to Pride Month, an annual celebration honoring the #LGBTQ+ community. This boycott movement was primarily spearheaded by a small-but-vocal contingent of conservative influencers, often using misinformation, but the knock-on effects endangered Target’s long-standing relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, plus liberal segments. In response to the escalating pressures exerted through social media, boycott movements, and threats of violence, Target opted to downplay their #Pride Month campaigns, and in some cases, remove or relocate its Pride merchandise from highly visible front displays to less conspicuous areas within their stores. However, this seemingly innocuous adjustment had unintended consequences. It created the perception that Target was opportunistic, insincere, and lacking in conviction. Consequently, the brand found itself subject to criticism from both sides of the debate. Understand the factors behind the Target backlash, and download a sample of this research study via our blog. #marketing #mrx #diversity #inclusion #diversityandinclusion #marketresearch #marketingandadvertising