The Annual Corporate Pride Exploitation is Back

It’s that time of year again, when corporations and brands change their profile pictures and social media banners to rainbow flags and publish queer inclusive advertisements while funneling money to right wing, anti-LGBTQ politicians and organizations.

Massive companies like AT&T, Walmart, Home Depot, Verizon and ComCast, along with dozens of other corporations inch into the fray at the start of Pride season, all while funding anti-gay initiatives with the money they raise for appearing to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

The presentation of allyship has become an incredibly popular move with major commercial brands who want to give the appearance of support in order to appeal to the large queer market, all while simultaneously undermining the efforts of activists on the ground trying to defend themselves against a hostile political and social climate by playing the deceitful middle-man. They take the money they raise from LGBTQ+ people and pass it to radical, religious and hyper-conservative antagonists to finance their war on the LGBTQ+ community.

These companies hijack pride events around the country each year, garnering exposure, increased sales and even awards from organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. The HRC gave CVS Pharmacies a perfect score in their 2020 Corporate Equality Index, leading their headquarters to change it’s social media icons to pride inspired colors and affirming messages.

The official CVS account tweeted: “CVS is proud to join more than 100 companies that have signed HRC’s Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation.”

What CVS doesn’t want you to know is that, through it’s corporate PAC, it has made multiple donations to Senators in Texas who have sponsored the State’s controversial anti-trans laws that accuse parents of trans children seeking healthcare…