Little Black Book and PrideAM Announce New Interview Series: ‘Standing Proud with…’

While recent political shifts may have sparked conversations and concerns worldwide among the 2SLGBTQ+ population, it’s important to remember that being visible, when possible, is one of the most courageous yet crucial things any person in the community can do.

Of course, this is a community that has always existed and will continue to thrive—but every so often, a louder, more emphatic reminder can make all the difference. For some, it may be about seeing what’s happening and hearing the experiences of others which leads to an understanding of why this is a topic of significance. Meanwhile, there may be those who just need a little bit of inspiration to find their own voices and feet. But whatever the case may be, it’s abundantly clear that this is the moment to highlight and celebrate those who dare to be their honest, full selves, and the journeys which have led them to where they are today.

It’s with this in mind that Little Black Book (LBB) has announced the launch of its latest interview series, ‘Standing Proud with…’. Created in association with Canadian not-for-profit organisation Pride in Advertising and Marketing (PrideAM), this new feature is designed to platform and celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ voices in adland from around the world.

“The anti-’woke’ out there want to end DEI, they want to prescribe our identity, ultimately erase us and our right to exist, let alone thrive,” explains PrideAM founding president Scott Knox, who is also president and CEO of the ICA (Institute of Canadian Agencies). “The poster child for this resides in the White House, enthroned by a popular vote, and that frightens the shit out of us. Some can fight back, and do, but many worry about the consequences of doing so. This series allows us to celebrate our value, support one another, shine a light on how we feel, and ultimately push back.”

Led by LBB’s Canadian reporter, Jordan Won Neufeldt, ‘Standing Proud with…’ will be taking interviewee suggestions from PrideAM, as well as Outvertising in the UK and Do The WeRQ in the US, and will also accept self-nominations.

“It’s my great privilege to orchestrate this series, and to spotlight members of a community who not only deserve to be celebrated, but also need to be heard,” she says. “As a transgender woman, and a writer at a trade publication, I want to use my own unique experiences and platform to do some good and push for meaningful change.”

While there may be sensitivities regarding participation, especially seeing as candidates might not have the ability to speak out in their respective marketing departments and agencies, anonymous interviews will be available to those who require it (although attributed interviews are strongly encouraged). “This does not change the validity of words needing to be shared,” Scott continues. “I hope that with this, the real stories and feelings of our community shine through.”

However, he also emphasises that people being able to candidly share their experiences – both the good and the bad – and call things out when needed is vital, both in terms of advocating for a collectively better industry, but also in pushing back against those who’d tokenise, rainbow wash, and actively express vitriol for this community.

Referencing the fact that in Canada, for example, three major yet undisclosed brands have pulled out of this year’s Toronto Pride, he states that people need to be able to speak honestly, and that this is the opportunity to do it. “If you’re a 2SLGBTQ+ who works at one of those three brands or their agencies, what do you do, what do you say, who will support you? We need all these stories to be shared to help one another and to point out to our employers and our brands the deep impact this is having on us all. And that it should matter to them.”

Finishing, Jordan adds, “I know personally that it’s a scary thing to be honest about who you are and what you’ve experienced, but that when done right, it can truly make a difference. When I was in the closet, I had the chance to interview various members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which in turn, helped empower me to publicly come out, and has now put me here, today, in a position to stand up for something I believe in. So, from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to invite everyone who feels like they’ve got a story to tell to reach out (jordan@lbbonline.com) and say their piece. No matter what you’ve been through, yours is not only a story worth sharing, but one that needs and deserves to be told.”