P&G’s roots in LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy are built on the example set by our people. Individuals who used their voice to fight intolerance, tackle bias and put themselves at risk for equal treatment and protection.
The journey has not been easy. Nor have we always been right.
Progress — initiated by a few brave employees often in the face of strong resistance — helped to change our culture, shape the company attitude and strengthened our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. We’re using our voice to drive acceptance, inclusion and a love for humanity.
Be Seen.
As a leading advertiser, we are using our voice to promote equality and inclusion. The images and messages we put into the world affects perception and culture. We are committed to the accurate portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community in our advertising and promoting a deeper understanding of the impact of LGBTQ+ visibility on cultural attitudes and nurturance.
Be Heard.
Through personal stories, conversation and one-to-one relationships, we can help to expose bias, create human connection and change hearts and minds. Together, we can better our communities and shape more inclusive policy. These stories can have a profound impact on those that hear them. As one person wrote,
“Thank for you for being my inspiration and the spark that lit the fire in me, a fire I never thought in my life that would be lit. I am living an unbelievably happier life. Thank you for saving another soul.”
P&G created three award-winning films about LGBTQ+ representation both inside and outside the walls of the Company. Check them out here.
The Words Matter
At the height of the AIDS epidemic, in one of the most conservative cities in America, Michael Chanak spoke out to make sure the LGBTQ+ community was a part of the story. By fighting to include sexual orientation in Procter & Gamble’s diversity statement, Michael helped P&G become one of the first Fortune 500 companies to protect sexual orientation as a status, and left a legacy that lives on 25 years later.
They Will See You
In the short film, “They Will See You,” P&G explores the history of LGBTQ+ visibility and its advertising and meet the inspirational people whose lives have been impacted by seeing their stories represented on screen.
Out of the Shadows
“Out of the Shadows” tells the story of a group of gay and lesbian employees at P&G’s Cincinnati headquarters who bravely joined forces to fight for equal rights in the workplace in the early 1990s. It was a tough battle—they faced a conservative culture within the company and in Cincinnati at large. But these trailblazers were relentless—and won.
Be Proud.
Raising visibility of the LGBTQ+ community
In Canada, Pantene launched a third chapter of its #HairHasNoGender campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Workplace: Re-Imagined shares the stories of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The film series explores the role of hair in expressing identity and how an inclusive work environment – and in particular, the support of colleagues – can give 2SLGBTQ+ the confidence to express their true identity in the workplace.
Raising The Next Generation of Allies #CrestSmileWithPride
Crest has long been a supporter of Pride and committed to celebrating diversity and strengthening the LGBTQ+ community in a disruptive, yet genuine way. To do that, Crest has been telling real stories that celebrated something simple. Something that we all can do and something that the world needs more of. We celebrated the smile. Crest has created videos that told true stories where a smile turned a fearful moment into a moment to be celebrated — all to encourage a world with more smiles.
