Pride season is upon us, which means stores are launching rainbow collections, from Disney and beyond. People don’t love every line, however.
Primark recently launched their 2018 Pride collection, partnering with Stonewall UK. For every Stonewall-marked product, 20% of the proceeds will go to the charity itself.
As an organization, Stonewall participates in some Pride events, but does not organize any themselves. This is why some people are upset with Primark’s collection, believing money should go to actual Pride groups.
I really don’t want to bash an LGBT+ org, but I believe that Prides should be benefiting from the ‘Pride’ range at @Primark, not @stonewalluk. We’re seeing lots of Prides scale back or cancel due to lack of funding. Stonewall have plenty of money and don’t organise any Prides. pic.twitter.com/Xy9TyKpwzZ
— Daniel Browne (@MrDanielBrowne) May 22, 2018
Supporting struggling groups
The UK Pride Organisers Network released a statement regarding the relationship between the two groups.
‘All Pride organisations are voluntary bodies that struggle every year to raise the funds necessary to hold these major public events, most of which are free to attend,’ they said.
‘In the last week, in one city where Primark will be selling these products, the Pride has announced it is scaling back its event due to a lack of funds. This is a daily reality for most Pride organisers.’
They also criticize the choice in Stonewall, given their past criticism of events (such as boycotting Pride in London over race). Instead, the Network is urging people to purchase merchandise from Pride organizations or stalls at the events themselves.
There is also a question about where Primark makes their merchandise. Therework, the Network is seeking ‘reassurances from Primark that the production of these items is not taking place in any country where homosexuality is illegal’.
Topped off with the production of many of @Primark‘s articles being made in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Myanmar and Tanzania where there are ZERO or little discrimination protections for LGBT+ people.https://t.co/9FXml6zLIo pic.twitter.com/I6sbNKTxzl
— Matthew Hemes (@MattHemes) May 22, 2018
Pride in London, which Stonewall is boycotting, also released a comment.
A spokesperson said: ‘We hope to see the money going into supporting other Prides across the country. In particular we continue to urge investment in Belfast Pride given the work still to be done on marriage equality there.’
These Prides get NOTHING from the sale of these @Primark x @StonewallUK items@ManchesterPride@PrideInLondon@PrideCymru@BelfastPride@AntwerpPride@BristolPride@PrideEdinburgh@BirminghamPride@PrideBrighton@NewcastlePride
Madrid Pride (no Twitter)pic.twitter.com/zDSt6Il3HS— Matthew Hemes (@MattHemes) May 22, 2018
