Rainbows! Rainbows everywhere! …Even in large corporate stores. Is this all about profiting off of the LGBTQ+ Community or something more? Personally, I see it as a little of column A and a little of column B.

Positive thoughts first, YEAH! Finally representation! Finally, corporations are realizing the community is worth marketing for, a sign of progress, of inclusion. Not too long ago we couldn’t find anything really anywhere remotely corporate. This is still the case in-store some store locations depending on where you live. But, think back to being a little, how much would it have meant to you to see that inclusion in stores? How much easier would that access be? Not all locations and generations had these privileges. It’s been a long fight.

Seeing LGBTQ+ representation in stores like this also gives that we all hope spills into further sections of the corporate world. Some companies like Target sharing their feelings year round even. Remember the pushback they got over removing gender label sections on kids’ clothing, bedding, and toys or their stance on restrooms? This is what we need more of.

Another huge plus is the “rainbow capitalism” is that some businesses are actually donating a portion back into LGBTQ+ Communities! Not just selling rainbows for rainbow sake. Plus, why wouldn’t they? It’s good for pr and a tax write-off.

I believe Bath & Body Works collaboration with Human Rights Campaign might actually be the highest donation rate, $1 million. Also, if your local Pride is anything like San Diego’s, the “sun-washed citrus” scent is pretty spot on. *And NO, I’m not an affiliate or sponsored, just commenting.

But here’s the catch, column B… Those that completely miss the mark and are obviously just selling for the sake of profit and clearly didn’t consult with any LGBTQ+ organizations. Sorry, Hot Topic, but why would you list a “Non-binary” item under “Girls Shirts” I don’t get it! (Check the link, the comments under the item are pure gold.) Go ahead Hot Topic, donate to your own charity and don’t bother looking at the irony of your items. SMH.

As ridiculous as that was, it gets even worse! Like the large corporations that blatantly steal from queer artists and their businesses. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen a few story shares, like that of Ash & Chess. While Tipsy Elves may have decided to attempt some kind of repentance, big business like Old Navy pretends to ignore their outright thievery. And sadly, we know this isn’t at all the only case of this happening, these are just an example of one LGBTQ+ small business having to fight rainbow capitalism.

So here’s my feels on this whole thing; shop LGBTQ+ small owned and ran businesses first. If you are gonna buy at a big business, buy at the ones giving back and walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Make sure some of the funds are at least in an attempt to trickle back down to the community.

Also, do me a favor, please don’t buy any of that “Pride” merch at Walmart. That’s just a no. But as I wrap this up, I came across this article that may be good to check out from Attitude (U.K.), “11 Pride Collections That Actually Give Back To The LGBTQ Community”. Worth reading, though I know right now Converse is also being looked into for stealing independent artist’s ideas, so take the list with a grain of salt.

What do you think? Where do you stand? Do you have a LGBTQ+ Small Business? Feel Free to drop it below! I love hearing from you.