Promoting Pride with Purpose: How Promotional Products Can Show Your Support

Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a time to champion diversity, inclusion, and the fight for equality. Businesses can leverage this opportunity to connect with customers who share their values. But how can you use promotional items to do this authentically, and avoid accusations of "rainbow washing"?

Pride promotional products can be a powerful tool for promoting your business during Pride Month, but it's all about strategy. Here's how to use them effectively:

1. Choose Products with Purpose:

• Durability over disposables: Opt for high-quality, reusable items like water bottles, tote bags, or phone chargers. These will last longer and get more brand exposure.
• Functionality matters: Consider items that people will use frequently, like notebooks, sunglasses, or phone stands and brand with your company logo.

2. Design with Authenticity:

• Go beyond rainbows: While rainbow colors are a symbol of Pride, explore incorporating other symbols like the transgender flag or the progress flag to represent inclusivity.
• Partner with LGBTQIA+ artists: Collaborate with LGBTQIA+ designers to create unique and meaningful artwork for your promotional products.

3.  Charity is Key:

• Don't just sell, donate: Partner with an LGBTQIA+ charity and donate a portion of the proceeds from your Pride merchandise.
• Highlight your partnership: Clearly communicate your support for the chosen charity on the product itself and in your marketing materials.

4. Make it a Year-Round Commitment:

• Pride is more than a month: Don't limit your support to June. Showcase your commitment to inclusivity throughout the year.
• Internal practices matter: Ensure your business fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and customers.

Promotional products can be a great way to celebrate Pride Month, but remember, it's about more than just a sale. By focusing on purpose, design, and year-round commitment, you can use this opportunity to build genuine connections with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Think beyond promotional pens with some of our top picks for promo products in Pride Month:

• Tote Bags: A classic and versatile option, tote bags are a great way to promote your brand while showing your support for Pride. Choose high-quality, reusable materials like canvas and opt for designs that are both stylish and inclusive for your Pride tote bags. 

• Water Bottles: A sustainable and practical choice, water bottles are a great way to get your brand out there. Look for bottles made from recycled materials and consider offering them in a variety of colors, including some of the colors of the Pride flag.

• Phone Chargers: A lifesaver for anyone on the go, phone chargers are a unique and functional branded item. Choose a design that is both eye-catching and represents your Pride support.

• Stress Balls: Let people squeeze away their stress with a fun and colorful Pride-themed stress ball. This is a great giveaway at Pride events or booths.

• Lapel Pins: A small but impactful way to show your support, lapel pins are a popular choice for Pride Month giveaways. They come in a variety of designs, so you can find one that perfectly reflects your brand's values.

• Notebooks: A great option for students, professionals, or anyone who loves to take notes, notebooks are a practical and promotional product. Choose a design that is both stylish and celebrates Pride.

• Sunglasses: A fun and functional giveaway, sunglasses are a perfect way to show your Pride spirit. Choose a style that is both fashionable and protects wearers from the sun's harmful rays.

• Phone Stands: A handy and useful desk accessory, phone stands are a great way to keep your brand top-of-mind. Choose a design that is both functional and showcases your Pride support.

By following these tips and choosing promotional products that are both practical and stylish, you can use Pride Month as an opportunity to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community and promote your business in a positive and authentic way.

Bonus Tip: Promote your Pride merchandise on social media and encourage customers to share photos using your branded hashtag. This will not only increase brand awareness but also create a sense of community.