Corporate Backing for Pride Raises Smiles

It’s that time of year when many companies fly a rainbow flag or offer Pride themed merchandise to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ communities.  Although many in the community would argue that such commercial support is often somewhat tokenistic, the fact remains that in a world where transphobes run the newspapers and even the centre left “Guardian” cannot be relied on to unequivocally support LGBTQIA+ people, then seeing our flags and other emblems in a corporate setting can be a tonic to the mind and a symbol of solidarity that young people can hold on to.  And, as one veteran gay DJ from the old “Psychodrama” nights at the Queenshilling put it, “you know that those rainbow flags will really annoy the gammons!!”.  So, in that spirit, we note that first out of the starting blocks this month have been Card Factory in Bristol, with a display of rainbow balloons, and Waterstones, who have a lively display of LGBTQIA books situated near their entrance on Union Gallery.  Meanwhile, Lloyds Bank have a depiction of weddings on their most recent billboards, to reflect changes in British society.  A samesex couple is pictured.  If you spot any other good corporate Pride displays, why not tweet us!