Some big brands, including Bud Light and Kimpton Hotels, are joining in the viral support of marriage equality.
People around the world have changed their Facebook profile pictures to a red box with an equal sign, a modified version of the Human Rights Campaign's logo. HRC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, launched a social media campaign Monday afternoon in conjunction with two marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this week, in an effort to raise awareness and help showcase the broad and diverse support for marriage equality.
Bud Light created a modified version of HRC's logo, using two beer cans for the equal sign, while Kimpton Hotels used two pillows. When Kimpton posted the picture on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, the company gave the status update: "We're comfortable with equality."
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Clothing retailer Bonobos used khaki pants, and Martha Stewart Living posted a slice of red cake with icing as the equal sign to Facebook.
Orbitz, Fab.com, and Kenneth Cole have also taken note of the logo's viral popularity, launching personalized versions of their own.
"Support for marriage equality is growing every day, but this one simple image gave countless millions a straightforward way to show their support for this civil rights cause -- many for the very first time," said HRC President Chad Griffin.
The HRC is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Originally designed in 1995, HRC's standard blue and yellow equality logo is one of the most visible and recognized symbols of the LGBT equality movement.
Dozens of celebrities also have shared HRC's red logo or messages via social media, including George Clooney, Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, Fergie, Russell Simmons, Kristen Bell, Alicia Keys, Patrick Stewart, Carson Daly, Kathy Griffin, George Takei, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jake Johnson, Jaime King, Mandy Moore, Whitney Cummings, Abby Wambach, Jason Mraz, Tegan & Sara, Sophia Bush, Lance Bass and Alyssa Milano, as well as the official Facebook page for HBO's "True Blood."
Love that pic!
A solid story supported by a solid principle = solid branding. Kudos!