June is Pride Month and I have to say that I'm feeling a lot of pride myself this year. Seeing all the Pride flags up and down the streets of NY and LA (and other cities) just fill me with happiness.
Not just because I'm joining the celebration as I do every year, and not just because I've released my new book, Out and About Dad, that chronicles my journey as a gay father.
Sure I feel a lot of pride for both of those reasons, how could I not?
But I also feel a lot of pride as a marketer this year, my chosen occupation for twenty-five years now.
I'm feeling particularly proud of our industry, for the strides it has make recently in reflecting and honestly portraying gay people as equal members of our society. The brands that have embraced our community is overwhelming...Banana Republic, Tiffany, Oreo, Burger King...the list goes on and on. Makes me so proud.
We seem to have moved passed the token inclusion or being portrayed as the handsome "best friend" in what always so gratuitous. Brands are actively and honestly acknowledging that gay people are in the mix of our diverse culture, as equals, just like anyone else.
We are just a part of the mix, as we should be.
The new advertising from Target, called "Take Pride" is a perfect example where the brand proves to us that life is not about being gay, but about being proud of who you are, no matter who you are. All we've ever really wanted is equality, and Target is giving it to us.
Click here to view the spot from Target. The copy is nothing short of brilliant.
And yes, I bought a few articles of clothing from their Pride display as well. How could I not?!?
Tylenol is another shining example. I have some personal experience with this brand, having personally released the very first OTC (over-the-counter) product print ad targeted to the LGBT community on behalf of Tylenol some twelve years ago. Twelve years! It may seem like nothing now, but it was a breakthrough moment for everyone involved, and I was very proud to be a part of it.
Well the brand is back again, showing us that any family is family regardless of where you come from and how you may have come together. Once again, it's not about being gay, it's about the equality of any family.
My final example hits very close to home. It's from Cheerios and it came out a few months ago but is just hitting my radar. The video celebrates fatherhood, with an honest portrayal of the struggles that uniquely come from being gay and wanting to have children. Yet in the end, it all comes down to having the confidence to be the best parent you can be, regardless of your makeup.
Click here to view the spot from Cheerios. OMG, killing me. They took a page right out of my book!
The video pulled at my heartstrings as it mirrors much of the same sentiment of Out and About Dad, where I write about my experiences from over twenty years ago when I started my family and first became a dad.
Times were very different back then, and attitudes toward gay people were, well, scary. Gay parenting and certainly gay marriage weren't even on the table, and here I was raising my two children as a divorced, single, gay, and then coupled man. I felt prejudice all around me and lacked any confidence because of all of the above.
I only wish brands were promoting this kind of messaging when I was in the thick of it...I would have had a very different experience. I would have walked a little taller.
Which is why I wrote my book and also feel so proud to be in marketing. Brands have a tremendous impact on pop culture, and can certainly shape attitudes and behaviors. By reflecting the realities of the world we live in, as marketers we can instill even greater confidence in those around us...helping them through their struggles and helping them to live on their terms.
It's never been a better time to be a marketer, and quite honestly it's never been a better time to be a dad.
I feel very proud to be both.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.