A new survey from GLAAD reveals that more than 70% of Americans who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ believe that companies and corporations should publicly support the community. This follows the recent backlash after Target removed some Pride merchandise from their shelves in response to threats from extremists protesting the LGBTQ+ community.
Other companies receiving similar backlash include Kohls, Petsmart, and Bud Light. According to CNBC, three out of every four survey respondents claimed they felt comfortable seeing queer individuals in advertisements as well as families with queer parents.
These findings come from GLAAD’S annual “Accelerating Acceptance 2023” survey which serves to evaluate attitudes toward LGBTQ+ Americans.
Other prominent findings from this research reveal that 96% of non-LGBTQ+ Americans agree that schools should be “a safe and accepting place for all youth.” Additionally 91% of non-LGBTQ+ Americans agree that queer people should be able to live their lives free of discrimination.
GLAAD released a statement saying: “When people are exposed to LGBTQ people and experiences in media it changes hearts and minds and shifts culture and sentiment.”
CNBC reports that GLAAD and 100 leading LGBTQ organizations wrote a letter last week urging Target to “reject and speak out against anti-LGBTQ extremism going into Pride Month.”
In recent years, big corporations have increased Pride-themed merchandise and some are taking steps toward creating more inclusive advertisements.
