Unilever USA announced its continued commitment to its United We Stand (UWS) initiative, a program dedicated to helping improve conditions and access to critical services for underserved 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The UWS initiative, which is kicking off its sixth year, focuses specifically on jurisdictions that have low scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.
Six out of the seven cities have increased their HRC rankings since the program’s involvement with them began: Monroe, Louisiana; Moore, Oklahoma; Clemson, South Carolina; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Florence, Alabama; and Rapid City, South Dakota. As part of the program, Unilever provides funds and support for organizations that promote systemic change and access to critical frontline services.
The program demonstrates Unilever’s commitment to contributing to a fairer, more socially inclusive world. Unilever fosters an inclusive workplace through its company culture, policies, and benefits, and has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for more than 10 consecutive years.
Working with Experts
Queer-owned creative agency RanaVerse and community strategist Sean Coleman continue to spearhead the initiative, with Coleman overseeing the ongoing development of the partnerships to provide key frontline services. These include programs dedicated to fighting conversion therapy, workplace discrimination, HIV decriminalization, youth homelessness, and bullying while funding access to mental health resources, wellness services, and nutritional support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Spreading the Word with Powerful Storytelling
To bring focus to the work of Freedom Oklahoma, the campaign will launch a new short film bringing together the experiences and voices of members of the organization and its wider supporters. The new short, titled “Threads Together”, has been developed in partnership with the organization and Kelly Mantle.
“As an Oklahoma native who has navigated small-town life as a 2SLGBTQIA+ individual, it was incredibly meaningful to partner with the team on this important campaign and go back to Oklahoma to hear, learn, and center these vibrant and vital perspectives,” said Mantle. “With Unilever United We Stand, we’re not just telling stories; we’re igniting change.”