On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States voted to legalize marriage equality in the country, declaring any ban unconstitutional.
This landmark decision elicited strong responses everywhere. It’s just about impossible to click anywhere on social media without being flooded with images of rainbows, hearts, and celebration. What is unique to this cause, however, is that the country witnessed a rare crossroads between commercial brands and politics in light of SCOTUS’ decision – many companies also took to social media to join in support of the #LoveWins response.
You may also like: The Most Engaging Topics on Social Media in 2015 (so far)
Delivering messages of #acceptance, #diversity, and #equality, we’ve highlighted the brands who creatively recognized the #SCOTUS decision:
1. “Celebrate Pride” – Facebook
With the launch of its “Celebrate Pride” filter feature, users can add a rainbow filter to their profile picture in support of #GayPride.
2. Pride Flag – Google
Highlighting the significance of the #Pride flag’s meaning, Google tweeted this video:
The first #pride flag flew in 1978. Today we understand what it really means. #LoveWins https://t.co/lWttIejpKj pic.twitter.com/gIHwu7JRA2
— Google (@google) June 26, 2015
3. “We’re On Board” – American Airlines
American Airlines celebrated diversity with a unique perspective from the sky.
We’re on board. Diversity strengthens us all & today we celebrate #MarriageEquality & the landmark #SCOTUS decision. pic.twitter.com/gqej2xMzIU — American Airlines (@AmericanAir) June 26, 2015
4. “This Bud’s For You” – Budweiser
Cheers to progress, from Budweiser.
#LoveWins pic.twitter.com/FRutTX6gGp
— Budweiser (@Budweiser) June 26, 2015
5. “Accepted Everywhere” – Visa
Love, now accepted everywhere.
pic.twitter.com/BCW7S5OK94 — Visa (@Visa) June 26, 2015
6. “¿Homo Estás?” – Chipotle
Choosing the “punny” route, Chipotle tweeted a #Pride burrito.
Homo Estas? Very well, thank you. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/5tXeGHxR8l
— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) June 26, 2015
7. “Perfect Together” – Maytag
The Maytag Man made a statement cheers-ing to the perfect pair.
Here’s to finding the one who completes you. #SCOTUSMarriage pic.twitter.com/Ox1WB3WCL1 — The Maytag Man (@TheMaytagMan) June 26, 2015
8. “From This Day Forward” – Macy’s
Love is love, from this day forward.
From this day forward… #loveislove pic.twitter.com/TrSHAl8mat — Macy’s (@Macys) June 26, 2015
9. “#HostWithPride” – Airbnb
Airbnb invited SCOTUS to a big party as the company’s guest of honor.
It would be our honor, Your Honor. #HostWithPride pic.twitter.com/w4WBLin7jK — Airbnb (@Airbnb) June 25, 2015
10. #RideWithPride – Citi Bike
Citi Bike and Citi invited everyone in NYC to take a ride on a festively-wrapped bike, some of which were featured in the Pride March on Sunday, June 28th.
#NYC, join us as we #RideWithPride this week on 200 festively-wrapped Citi Bikes: http://t.co/lFRdAIXFHU #CitiPride pic.twitter.com/3vPCpH3PdA — Citi (@Citi) June 23, 2015
11. “Forecasting Love” – The Weather Channel
Rainbows with meaning from The Weather Channel.
Forecasting lots of #Love. #LoveWins Photo Credit: @seisenhauer via IG pic.twitter.com/OvjStuaXEo
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) June 26, 2015
12. Game of Thrones/OITNB
Even TV shows tweeted their support of the decision, with Game of Thrones featuring a Renly figurine, and Orange is the New Black tweeting an exuberant Piper.
Be proud. #equality #SCOTUSMarriage pic.twitter.com/W0wC7rUjDT
— Game Of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) June 26, 2015
Today is a good day. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/h0WM7CXxUO — Orange Is the New… (@OITNB) June 26, 2015
13. “#LoveHasNoLabels” – P&G
Featuring a colorful array of its products, P&G made a powerful statement: labels don’t belong on people.
We support and respect everyone’s right to be who they are. #LoveWins #LoveHasNoLabels #PrideMonth2015 pic.twitter.com/Ti1wWmKfCd
— P&G (@ProcterGamble) June 26, 2015
14. “Marriage Map” – Boing Boing
In contrast to the maps often showing a stark division amongst states, Boing Boing tweeted a map showing in which states same-sex marriage is now legal.
A new map of the United States showing where same-sex marriage is legal. http://t.co/rmd8S8QcbB #lovewins pic.twitter.com/w1ipiqs9jy
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) June 28, 2015
15. “Be Proud” – White House
Arguably most poignant of images that were posted in support of the #SCOTUS decision wasn’t from a brand, but from the White House. In reposts, it has been accompanied by a quote from President Obama,
“Today we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect.”
America should be very proud. #LoveWinspic.twitter.com/qH1OA1BV2j
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 27, 2015
Consumers typically expect to see their friends and family responding to current events in this manner, but certainly not brands. So what’s the benefit of brands joining this conversation? It makes a powerful statement about authenticity and inclusion. Each brand that made a show of support on social media over the past few days is now more than a logo in the minds of its followers – they are each a representation of progress.