7 ways to ensure a successful Pride month in the UX design industry
It’s the Pride month!
As an LGBTQ+ ally, this is the month for me to express my support and love for my friends and of course to celebrate the progress that has been made as a community. In its true sense ’tis the month to be jolly’ again in recognizing the freedom of expression and to embrace the gorgeous privilege of being authentically alive; just the way you are with no-judgement! It also commemorates the dedication and the persistence and the harsh struggle overcome by these super-strong souls to get where we are now.
I do see some companies who just want to slap a rainbow flag on their social media channels during Pride Month — and then promptly forget about the community as soon as July rolls around.
With this feeling in my heart, I see so many companies changing their branding to hop in the support carnival and spread awareness. A lot of fellow allies would argue that these are just marketing strategies. And personally, I do see some companies who just want to slap a rainbow flag on their social media channels during Pride Month — and then promptly forget about the community as soon as July rolls around.
Having said that, I have also realized that consumers can easily distinguish between brands that are authentic partners in the fight for equality versus the ones that are just trying to make a quick buck. Thus, it has become fairly imperative for businesses to share stories that change the cultural conversation, and to create a world where the LGBTQ+ community is celebrated and protected.
As a mark of respect, I pledged to educate myself on ways I can take part in the movement (and not just the moment) and cultivate considerate and inclusive designs in endeavours I come across.
Here are 7 things to keep in mind when designing LGBTQ+ pro products.
- Think beyond gender binary
One common assumption is that all cultures divide human beings into two and only two genders, a dualistic or binary model of gender. In recent times, more and more people have become increasingly vocal in resisting binary thinking with respect to gender identity and expression. As designers, we must consider that many people identify themselves as gender fluid, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, transgender, and/or non-binary in our design decisions. For instance, while asking for a person’s gender, consider that there can be many answers to it. By doing so, our designs would reflect commitment to diversity and provide best practices for respecting gender identity and expression.
- Question only the necessary
There have been times when asking for gender doesn’t even seem all that necessary. I get it, it would be nice to have data of your demographic; so while we are at it, why not ask questions only that are necessary. I learnt to be mindful of all the form fields while designing and being considerate enough to think if it is even important to say, ask for gender. To make the experience better, maybe let people know why we’re using that information, who will be using it or even make it optional if we can. If we create a safe environment, it will reassure that we strive to be inclusive of everyone so all can feel welcome and protected.
- Respecting the identities
Allow questions like ‘Chosen names’ and ‘Preferred pronouns’ have their chance in your designs. If you’re worried this will confuse your cis* audience, explain the question as an attempt at inclusiveness, and include a sample sentence.
*[Cis or cisgender people: Individuals who identify with the gender that was assigned to them at birth (i.e., people who are not transgender).]
- Gender-neutral Avatars
Include options for neutral avatars in designs. This will allow further engagement and will show how you personally were mindful and empathetic.
- Integrate LGBTQ+ voices
Be mindful of thinking from all perspectives in various aspects of design. Include non-binary voices in user research, interviews, surveys, testing, etc. Authenticity is the foundation of any big idea and ensuring there is representation in the decision room will make it evident.
- Representation in the end product
Show true allyship by representing the community in the end product as well. This could be done in terms of the marketing campaigns, or simply considering to add illustrations and images that are inclusive on the website.
- Design for change
There are so many places where being gay is still not acceptable. An authentic message throgh design that supports the community can also help lay the groundwork for change and equality. Moreover, as gender fluidity is likely to become a more and more widely accepted concept in our society, investing the time and effort for gender diversity inclusion is absolutely worth it.
Lastly, Designs have a remarkable ability to influence public opinion or at least plant a seed for thoughts, and we as designers, must commit to using that power to create a world that is more right, and accommodating of everyone’s preferrences.
More important than knowing all the answers is to be curious and open to explore the questions and learn together.
Thank you so much for taking so much time and reading this! If you have any feedback, feel free to leave it in the comments below.
