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A commercial was pulled in America. It's time to turn the Tide.

Dear Tide, A+ for the commercial. We are totally ready for it in America. Bring it.

Some companies have been successfully marketing to the LGBTQ community for 30 years.

(Thanks, Absolut!)

Lately, more and more companies have come to realize that gay people like to buy things as much as straight people do (sometimes even more).

Like Starbucks, which used sassy drag queens to sell more coffee with "Coffee Frenemies."


And Target, which wanted to capitalize on all the new gay weddings. (Smart.)

And Apple.


And remember last year when Nabisco did a little "Dadvertising" with its Wholesome campaign?

It's just smart marketing.

Community Marketing Inc. determined that LGBTQ people are twice as likely to own a vacation home, travel more, and spend more money on clothes and electronics. Plus, the LGBTQ community tends to be very brand-loyal.

Every year, Community Marketing Inc. asks the LGBTQ community about brands they specifically bought because of a pro-LGBTQ message (check out a link to the full, fascinating report in the About section below). It's not a surprise that the top brands are Starbucks, Target, Apple, and Nabisco. The chart below gives a rundown of the top 12.

And the LGBTQ community is keenly aware of people who don't support them.

Negative brand recognition is also a factor companies look at. Chick-fil-A had the most negative reputation for its anti-gay views. It's also interesting to note that Target was not gay-friendly until just a few years ago, but now, it's among the top pro-LGBTQ brands.


It's a little surprising that a giant American-owned company — Proctor & Gamble, the makers of Tide — doesn't feel good about airing commercials about gay people in the United States.

Especially since it's estimated that gay people are responsible for $133 billion in spending a year.

I give Tide props for making this adorable commercial, but it's time to #TurnTheTide and let them know that gay people like clean clothes too.

The #TurnTheTide hashtag is being used in relation to this commercial. If you are interested in letting Tide know that you are ready to see men who like clean clothes too, you can call them at 1-800-879-8433.

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Prudential
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Meet the 18-year-old advocating for teen mental health, one inspiring podcast at a time

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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