Why LGBTQ+ history is happening now and sexist advertising... from the govt
February: we're here for it
Finally, we can look to January in the rear-view mirror. Blue Monday is behind us, the Covid peak in the UK (we hope) is over, and 2021 seems like it could be the bearer of greater things.
At CE we've been celebrating LGBTQ+ history month, and teamed up with Queer Britain and Outvertising for a webinar (details below), as well as running our inaugural CreativeComeback programme stateside (on Zoom).
As the days get longer, the snow settles in, and the sun begins to shine again - we're here for you. Get in touch to find out how we can help - and here's to better days, brighter days ahead.
LGBTQ+ history is happening NOW
In Siberian Lockdown, Channel4's 'It's A Sin' is mandatory watching. It's not a 'programme' at all, but a reminder of a decade we can't forget. All those we lost, their deaths silenced by fear and shame and ignorance. This series has reopened a painful Pandora's box, which is why we need to stop and reflect this LGBTQ+ History Month.
Is advertising representation as we want it to be in 2021? How have we progressed? Who is till missing from our narratives? How do we deal with marketing in the 73 countries where being LGBTQ+ is against the law? And the real question: are LGBTQ+ voices always at the decision-making table? In collaboration with change-makers Queer Britain and Outvertising, we discuss how adland can make history happen now.
Our speakers:
Joseph Galliano, CEO at Queen Britain, the national LGBTQ+ museum
Bhavik Pancholi, Capabilities Director, Creative Equals
Chris Kenna, CEO/Founder, Brand Advance
Tamara Littleton, CEO/Founder, The Social Element
Ben Golik, Chief Creative Officer, LIDAw
Lucy Rennie, Joint CEO, Outvertising, Consultant/Brand strategist
* All donations of £10-15 to Queer Britain, who are building the nation's first LGBTQIA+ museum.
Can a UK team run a virtual US returners programme?
Yes, we made CreativeComebackUS happen on Zoom for 32 talented returners with our partners D&AD. This talent is exceptional. As Ozlem Robillard, Smirnoff VP Global Planning, Diageo, said: 'The passion, energy and creativity was off the charts'.
For us, it's about feedback from returners: 'Life is not streamlined for everyone, but that should not mean it has to be the end. I wish more industries would embrace this type of program and support returners. The way you engaged with us was undeniably beautiful.'
As closing speaker, Cindy Gallop, ex-chairperson BBH, founder Make Love Not Porn, summed up: 'You [returners] are more valuable than anyone currently working in our industry because you have the benefit of distance, clear-sightedness, a fresh lens, objectivity.'
All the gratitude to founding partners: FIG, Anomaly, 72&Sunny, Oliver, Virtue Worldwide.
Reset for diversity now. So, UK/Amsterdam creative shops, will you join our May 17-25 programme?
Stay home. Save lives. Spot the stereotypes.
Before (yes, this is real and was taken down): a piece of sexist advertising from the UK government in 2021 showing their bias in how they perceive women's roles (and how women are bearing the burden of the pandemic).
After: video producer Kim French gives it a fresh, progressive take...
Yes, this would have fallen foul of the ASA's guidelines. For more, read Creativebrief's managing editor Nicola Kemp's article on why 'Stereotypes are where creativity goes to die', in Campaign.
Would this kind of bias happen in your team? If you just hesitated for a heartbeat, get in touch for one of our 'Applied bias' workshops, info@creativeequals.org
Creative Equals Recommends...
WATCH: Toyota's Superbowl ad: inspiring or... disability inspiration porn? Christina Mallon, Head of Inclusive Design at Wunderman Thompson in the US wrote this post on LinkedIn. For more, read what CriticalAxis have to say here.
HIRE: Sigh. This has been one long month (and it's only Feb 10). Our sister team at Flex Events have just the tonic for your team, home-working well-being retreats. Think breath-work, home office permaculture, and yogic cook-along. Book now.
LISTEN: The BBC Documentary podcast this week covers 'Compassion Fatigue' - an essential listen for anyone struggling with tough Covid-19 headlines right now, underlining the importance of showing compassion to ourselves too.
Happy February!
The Creative Equals Team x