Check out this Pride campaign with a difference

For Pride this year, Unilever US and creative agency RanaVerse aren’t interested in rainbow merch or showy parade floats. 

Instead, the global consumer goods company has tapped RanaVerse – for the fourth year in a row – to lead the creative charge for its “United We Stand” campaign, a long-term, year-round commitment to improve conditions for LGBTQ+ communities across the nation. “United We Stand” particularly focuses on geographical areas that scored the lowest in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. These communities, all of which lack crucial LGBTQ+ protections, need more help than ever.

Ahead of this year’s Pride Month, Unilever U.S. has announced its fourth year of United We Stand, a long-term, year-round commitment to improve conditions for LGBTQI+ communities across the nation. United We Stand focuses on geographical areas that scored the lowest in Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Programming in 2022 will remain in five U.S. municipalities with limited LGBTQI+ support services: Monroe, La., Moore, Okla., Clemson, S.C., Florence, Ala., and Southern Missouri. 

Through local partners, the efforts will promote systemic change throughout the year, including programs that focus on fighting conversion therapy, HIV decriminalization, youth homelessness, anti-bullying, mental health and wellness services, and nutritional support for the LGBTQI+ community. The program will also work to fight anti-trans legislation across the U.S. given the recent increase in proposed legislation targeting LGBTQI+ communities. 

“We are continuing to work closely with local grassroots organizations in areas where LGBTQI+ support is needed the most,” said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever North America. “We saw these organizations do meaningful work over the last year and want to continue supporting their impactful programs through our United We Stand campaign year-round.” 

Unilever will again support the following organizations: Forum for Equality (Monroe, La.), Freedom Oklahoma (Moore, Okla.), South Carolina Black Pride (Clemson, S.C.), The Knights and Orchids Society (Florence, Ala.), and PFLAG Springfield (Southern Missouri). Throughout the last 12 months, each organization has created local initiatives and increased access to services for LGBTQI+ people through United We Stand.

Again this year, Unilever is tapping queer filmmaker Tourmaline to direct a new film documenting the progress of the campaign over the last 12 months. The videos will feature individuals who represent multiple intersectional LGBTQI+ experiences including those from Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and Transgender/Non-Conforming communities. Together, Tourmaline and her subjects are emblematic of Unilever’s commitment to increasing diversity both on-screen and behind the camera. 

The United We Stand campaign supports Unilever’s sustainable business strategy, the Unilever Compass, which includes contributing to a fairer, more socially inclusive world. One of the ways the company aims to do this is by promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within and outside of its walls. 

Unilever fosters an inclusive workplace through its company culture, policies, and benefits, and has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for more than 10 consecutive years. Employee benefits include industry-leading inclusive parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility benefits. Its employee Business Resource Group, PRIDE, offers a forum for connection, celebration, and education. 

Unilever’s work for systemic change extends to advocating for equitable legislation at the federal and state levels, including passage of the Equality Act. In the U.S., the company has used its voice to condemn multiple anti-LGBTQI+ state bills.