Missing rainbows 🏳️‍🌈

Something is noticeably absent from many social media feeds as #PrideMonth begins this year: 🏳️‍🌈 rainbows.

In the decade following the 2015 Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage, corporate logos and headers lit up in rainbow colors each June—symbolic gestures of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Often, that visibility was backed by meaningful investment: internal programs, community partnerships, and financial support for LGBTQ+ employees and consumers.

Yes, some of those efforts were rightly criticized as “rainbow washing”—marketing without substance. One could even argue that those once bold signals of allyship had become passé. But in many parts of the country, even symbolic gestures mattered. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, seeing their identity visibly acknowledged by a financial institution offered a rare sense of recognition and belonging.

This year, those rainbows are harder to find. 🏳️‍🌈

For months, major financial institutions have been scaling back or rebranding their #DEI commitments. Political and cultural pressures have also led some institutions to retreat from even the most symbolic displays of support during Pride Month. Of course, visibility isn’t everything. But when it disappears, its absence speaks volumes. Silence is, in fact, a statement.

In a time when #DEI efforts are under scrutiny, what we do during Pride Month will either reaffirm our commitment to inclusion—or reveal a retreat from it. It’s easy to show up when support is popular. But authenticity matters most when it’s hard. I wasn't surprised to see today's social media post from Eastern Bank, because they routinely demonstrate their commitment to equality. While stepping back may feel safer in this moment, they know that silence now risks being seen as performative later. Values are what people remember.

Pride is not the time to retreat. Pride is rooted in protest and the ongoing fight for equality. It’s a time to recommit—visibly, vocally, and with purpose. Let’s all lead with integrity and ensure that the financial sector's support for LGBTQ+ consumers and employees is not only seen, but felt—not just in June, but all year long.

#Pride2025 #BankingOnInclusion #DEIMatters #StillWeRise #FinancialInclusion