The Hallmark Channel recently caved to the intolerant outcry against the LGBTQIA+ community, but it certainly won’t be the last organization to do so. The loudest criticisms often stem from a place of bigotry, and unfortunately, these voices are hard to overlook. The controversy began when Zola, a wedding planning service, aired a commercial featuring a same-sex couple. Following its debut on the so-called “family-friendly” network, One Million Moms demanded its removal, and Hallmark complied by pulling the ad.
However, the pro-LGBTQIA+ community quickly rallied in response to this mistake, and while I am grateful for the justice that followed, Hallmark’s initial blunder was sadly predictable. After facing backlash, Hallmark reinstated the ad and CEO Mark Davis issued an apology. He stated, “The Crown Media team has been reflecting on this decision and acknowledges the pain it has caused. Simply put, they believe this was the incorrect choice.”
This incident is just one of countless missteps that harm marginalized voices. Hallmark’s “reflective” error serves as a glaring reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights and representation. As a queer, nonbinary individual, I witness this discrimination daily, and while it can be infuriating, I strive to channel that energy into productive actions. Change requires that allies engage consistently, not just in response to outrage.
I appreciate the many individuals and petition signers who voiced their support for my community. Your outcry against Hallmark’s decision was invaluable, but I urge everyone to evaluate their commitment to allyship. True allyship involves more than just addressing mistakes; it requires daily actions to prevent discrimination from occurring in the first place.
While we cannot eliminate all hatred or educate those who refuse to learn, we can be proactive in creating a safer, more accepting world for everyone. Let’s strive to do better before further petitions become necessary. Here are some strategies to implement:
Be Visible
I am always on the lookout for safe spaces and individuals. Since appearances can be deceiving, I rely on visible signs of acceptance. Do you share LGBTQIA+ stories on social media? Are there Safe Space stickers in your workplace? Do you wear pronoun pins or include your pronouns in email signatures? If so, that’s a great start, but there’s more to do.
Be Vocal
If you’re already taking steps to be an ally, encourage others to join you. Sharing your pronouns and explaining their significance can foster inclusive conversations. It’s essential to challenge narrow-minded views and ignorant remarks when they arise, even if it feels confrontational. Setting boundaries is crucial; make it clear that you won’t tolerate intolerance.
Be Proactive
Consider donating time or money to local LGBTQIA+ organizations or advocating for more inclusive resources in schools and libraries. Push for LGBTQIA+ training in your workplace and ensure that your organization provides protections for queer employees.
Be a Voter
While discussing politics can be uncomfortable, remember that voting is about ensuring safety and rights for all. Support candidates and measures that prioritize humanity over political allegiance. Encourage others to vote and offer assistance to those who may struggle to reach polling places.
Be Aware
Understand that the daily microaggressions and biases faced by queer individuals often go unnoticed by those who don’t experience them. Don’t wait for headlines to remind you of the challenges we face; educate yourself by reading LGBTQIA+ stories, exploring our history, or watching films that foster empathy.
Outrage is justified when LGBTQIA+ individuals are marginalized, but to ensure your anger leads to meaningful change, you must engage consistently—not just when a major company falters. While it may be easy to be critical online, it’s vital to confront inequalities in person as well. Simple actions, like displaying a rainbow sticker or wearing a pronoun pin, can serve as a daily reminder of support against bigotry. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and education in every aspect of your life, beyond just signing online petitions.
In summary, while Hallmark’s reinstatement of the Zola ad was a positive step, it highlights the need for ongoing allyship. By being visible, vocal, proactive, and aware, we can collectively foster a more inclusive society for all.