LGBTQ+ friendly website design
Pride Month is finally upon us 🌈 🎉 Pride Month is great, and wonderful, and necessary, but it can also come with a lot of rainbow washing. And while it is fantastic to see progress, LGBTQ+ focused marketing messaging that shows up for only one month of the year can feel performative and disingenuous.
As we celebrate Pride month, it's important to remember that inclusivity and allyship mean actively supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through tangible actions and initiatives all year long.
LGBTQ-friendly website design is an essential aspect of creating an inclusive and accommodating virtual space for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
From simple tweaks, such as incorporating gender-neutral pronouns in website copy, to inclusive imagery, and using diverse models that accurately represent the LGBTQ+ community, there are various ways businesses and organizations can ensure that their website design is inclusive, accommodating and provides a meaningful experience.
Queer Joy
Queer Joy
Gender neutral pronouns
Website copy can be used as a tool for inclusion. By using pronouns such as "they/them/their" instead of assuming gender, we can make sure that everyone feels seen and respected regardless of their gender identity or expression. Additionally, gender-inclusive language conveys an organization's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, which can improve brand reputation and ultimately attract a wider audience.
Organizations can also help people feel supported and comfortable sharing their gender identity by sharing their own pronouns on their team pages and in their email signatures.
Visit “Gender Inclusive Design is the Only Way” to learn more.
LGBTQ+ inclusive imagery and graphics
According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 1 in 5 Gen Z U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+. What does this mean for web design? People want to see themselves seen and represented in marketing and design.
By using images and graphics that showcase diversity and representation, organizations can create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.
Inclusive imagery can help to break down barriers and biases, and make people feel welcomed and valued.
When possible, it is always a great choice to hire LGBTQ+ artists, photographers and web designers.
Queer inclusive photography, website graphics and talent:
Unsplash
Pexels
The Gender Spectrum
Blush.Design
Canva
Queer Design Club
Hire diverse models
People want to be seen. It is extremely validating and affirming to see yourself reflected in web design. This really rings true in the e-commerce space. While it is great for brands to hire queer models for their pride campaigns, it is essential that diverse models that accurately represent the LGBTQ+ community are shown all year round.
Hiring LGTBTQ+ models extends beyond Pride Month, where queer identity is often tokenized or limited, and shows a more authentic representation of queer individuals. By featuring queer models, e-commerce brands not only attract queer customers but also showcase their support for the LGBTQ+ community, helping build a positive reputation and fostering real allyship.
Pride started in protest
Pride started as a protest in response to the discrimination and violence that LGBTQ+ individuals faced.
Pride was started by trans women, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who were at the forefront of the Stonewall riots in 1969. These women sparked a movement that is still alive today and paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community to gain more visibility and acceptance.
Pride is not just a historical event or a one-day celebration. It is a continuous effort to create a more just and inclusive society. Pride is celebrated every day with our actions, whether it's actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, educating ourselves and others on the community's issues, or being an ally to those who need support. It is only by working together that we can keep the spirit of Pride alive and create a better world for everyone.