In recent years the U.S. has seen a massive spike in legislative action against queer folk, reflecting a significant backlash against the progress made towards equality and inclusion for LGBTQ individuals.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, more than 500 state bills targeting the LGBTQ community have been introduced, with 75 of them becoming law in 2023.
These laws, which range from restrictions on gender-affirming health care to limitations on LGBTQ representation in education, threaten to roll back the hard-won rights and protections that have been established over decades of advocacy.
However, as right-wing circles stoke anti-LGBTQ sentiment, corporations have collectively decided to show their support and dedication to making the lives of LGBTQ individuals safer—by putting a rainbow on their logo.
Facetiousness aside, corporate recognition of Pride Month—an annual celebration of the contributions and existence of the LGBTQ community—often contributes to a trend aptly named “rainbow capitalism.”
Rainbow capitalism involves companies selling LGBTQ-branded merchandise under the …