A Wickes activation on display at Brighton’s Pride parade at the weekend has caused a significant backlash among the wider LGBTQ+ community online, which found the DIY firm’s messaging to be overly ambiguous.
Wickes’ posters at the event featured both the trans and gay pride flags – reading “No LGB without the T, we stand with our trans siblings now and forever” and “Ban conversion therapy for all”.
After initially drawing praise for its commitment to LBGT rights at the weekend, various groups and individuals have criticised Wickes – arguing that lesbians, gays and bisexuals are allowed to have a distinct identity separate from trans people.
Advocacy group, LGB Alliance tweeted: “We must assume that Wickes have not understood the significance of this slogan. They cannot seriously believe that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals may not organise in their own interests without the permission of trans people.”
We must assume that Wickes have not understood the significance of this slogan. They cannot seriously believe that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals may not organise in our own interests without the permission of trans people.https://t.co/aaVa4qZaNu
— LGB Alliance (@ALLIANCELGB) August 8, 2022
READ MORE: Wickes’ CMO Gary Kibble on challenging stereotypes and the importance of authenticity
Another user commented, “To be clear, this is Wickes promoting unlawful discrimination against lesbians, gays & bisexuals & making our rights conditional on supporting another group,” in reply to a previous tweet posted by Reform UK politician, Nick Buckley which read: “Companies are now telling gay people what they should accept – all in the name of diversity. Any gay people use Wickes ? Will [you] continue?”
To be clear, this is @Wickes promoting unlawful discrimination against lesbians, gays & bisexuals & making our rights conditional on supporting another group. https://t.co/Vcm7lG1tMp
— Allison Bailey (@BluskyeAllison) August 7, 2022
A statement released by Wickes after the event read: ‘We were proud to take part in Brighton Pride this weekend to celebrate their 30th year, and even prouder of our LGBTQ+ Employee Network who work hard every day to make sure everyone can feel at home at Wickes.
“We are an inclusive home improvement employer and retailer and support the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety.”
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