Bud Light announces monetary support for LGBTQ+ businesses

Bud Light today announced a show of support for LGBTQ+ community, as it fends off criticism for failing to speak up for transgender rights in the wake of its Dylan Mulvaney controversy. The beleaguered beer brand is making a $200,000 donation to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, extending an existing partnership with the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. The money is for the organization's Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi), which is “designed to support the growth and success of minority LGBTQ+-owned businesses through certification, scholarships and business development,” according to the announcement. Related: Pride Month guide for brands The donation was announced as Pride Month approaches. Bud Light is still feeling the effects of a boycott that followed an April 1 Instagram post from Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, that sparked a backlash from conservatives. While enduring the effects of the boycott, Bud Light had also come under pressure from LGBTQ+ groups to show more explicit support for transgender rights. Earlier this month, the Human Rights Campaign suspended Anheuser-Busch InBev’s perfect score on its Corporate Equality Index, a tool that scores companies on their policies for LGBTQ+ employees. Also read: AB InBev's next hurdle Ad Age Breakout Brand Leaders New award honors the people behind emerging brands Enter here Bud Light sales were down by 26% in the week ending May 20, according to Beer Marketer's Insights, citing NielsenIQ data from Bump Williams Consulting. “Bud Light was brewed to be an ‘Easy to Drink, Easy to Enjoy’ beer for everyone 21+ and that still holds true today,” Anheuser-Busch InBev stated in a press release today. “We look forward to extending our work with the NGLCC to continue making a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ businesses that play a critical role in bringing people everywhere, together.” The U.S. division of AB InBev says it has contributed more than $13 million to local and national non-profit organizations that are committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ equality. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with Bud Light in support of LGBTQ+ businesses,” the NGLCC added in the statement. “We appreciate the brand’s ongoing efforts to bolster our Communities of Color Initiative that empowers and supports both minority LGBTQ+ business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as the vital roles they play in communities across the United States.” Sign up for Ad Age newsletters From influencer marketing to agencies, get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox Click here

Bud Light announces monetary support for LGBTQ+ businesses

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