#LoVEWINS creates allies

Celebrities and influencers on social media have a lot of power because they often come with a large following of easily malleable minds. The general public will purchase items endorsed by their favorite celebrity, even if they don’t need the product, because it is associated with someone that they like or to whom they look up. A similar concept is employed on social media. When people who are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community see a celebrity post in favor of it, they are more likely to hop on board. This creates allies and makes the community larger in turn. Above this blurb are a few examples of social media posts by celebrities using #LoveWins.

Companies also often use this hashtag in order to show their support. This can also drive more people to become allies similarly to celebrities’ posts. However, many companies take advantage of the movement in order to bring themselves business. Every year during Pride month companies plaster rainbows all over their windows and products in hopes of dragging in more business. This essentially turns a marginalized community’s fight for equality into a cash cow and is unethical. Below this blurb in the center is an example of a Snickers post when the hashtag first became popular. The image is of a new candy wrapper that would soon be released in “support” of the gay community. In reality, unless the company donates or makes an effort to contribute to the community, this is a useless display. However, these posts of support may influence others to become allies and utilize the “Love Wins” hashtag as well.