5 things / Hallmark Channel
Hi there -
I don't generally start thinking about Christmas in July, but I was pretty excited to learn this week that the Hallmark Channel has committed to including LGBTQ stories in their holiday TV programming this year. I love cheesy holiday movies but have seldom found stories relatable. People like me have seldom been represented.
This also matters also because last year, the channel pulled LGBTQ-inclusive ads and received much backlash...this commitment is a nice turnaround.
Here are some other things that lifted me up this week:
Numerous fashion and beauty brands are awarding grants to support Black-owned businesses in those industries. This matters because an estimated 90% of businesses owned by BIPOC have been shut out from the Paycheck Protection Program.
Los Angeles has a new women's National Women's Soccer League team. A majority of Team Angel City is owned by women, including Natalie Portman and Serena Williams. This matters because there's no professional women's soccer team in Los Angeles and these women are important possibility models for young people.
Hanes is donating 1 million face masks to those experiencing homelessness around the U.S. This matters because homeless folks without masks may not be able to access essential businesses or even shelters.
After an online petition from a teen, Trader Joe's supermarkets is changing the names of its ethnic products. The company has brands such as Trader Ming's and Trader Jose's. This matters because that branding promotes ethnic stereotypes.
Thanks for all you do to build a more inclusive world.
All the best-