We’re at a point in our history when we demand a little bit more than the bare minimum. No amount of photoshopped rainbows is going to protect queer people of color or trans youth from being isolated, bullied, or killed. So, unless these companies are queer- or trans-founded or show a sustained commitment to our community outside of the month of June, I just don’t buy what they’re putting down. Lately, it feels like the government is working pretty hard to erase us. Queer books have been banned all over the country, and transgender athletes have been barred from competing in sports across several states.
In March, Florida’s governor signed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which prohibits elementary schools from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2021, more trans and non-binary people were murdered than in any other year since the Human Rights Campaign started keeping track. But this far from a “any” year, especially for young queer and trans people of color. I’ll be the first to admit that in any other year, I probably would’ve let this slide.
