IKEA's Rainbow Cake is a Sweet Slice of Support
Looking to add a splash of color to your celebration AND make a difference? Look no further than IKEA U.S.! This year, the brand is turning up the volume on Pride with a delicious rainbow cake to support charitable initiatives LGBTQ+ initiatives. For each slice of Rainbow Cake sold, IKEA U.S. will donate $1 (up to a total contribution of $100,000) to True Colors United, Cyndi Lauper's organization founded to address the issue of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth homelessness in the United States. This initiative specifically supports True Colors United's Youth Action Summit, an annual event that brings together young adults who have faced homelessness to develop best practices and strategies to end youth homelessness. The IKEA Rainbow Cake is available now through June 30 at IKEA Restaurants nationwide for $3.99.
Carry Your Colors with Pride: The STORSTOMMA Bag Giveback
Show your true colors in style with the iconic STORSTOMMA bag! Also throughout June, IKEA U.S. is taking its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community a step further. The brand will be donating 100% of the retail price of both sizes of the STORSTOMMA bag (up to a whopping $50,000!) to Rainbow Railroad. This incredible organization helps LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing violence and persecution find safety. So, grab your STORSTOMMA bag with pride, knowing you're supporting a worthy cause. Since its launch in 2020, the STORSTOMMA giveback has donated over $250,000 to various LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide.
IKEA U.S. Champions Equality All Year Long
"IKEA has long been a leader in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and we want to ensure that we continue to do that not just during Pride, but year-round," says Stevie Lewis, Chief Diversity Officer for IKEA U.S. "Our consistent advocacy and collaborations with organizations like True Colors United and Rainbow Railroad allow us to support the cause in an authentic way that empowers folks, both in the community and allies, to embrace their space and make meaningful change."
IKEA Stands Strong on Pride as Target Retreats After Backlash
IKEA's commitment to align itself with the LGBTQ+ community might be seen in relatively stark contrast to Target's recent move to scale back many of its Pride displays throughout the country. Last year, the retailer experienced a somewhat intense reaction from some anti-LGBTQ+ customers who went so far as to tip over displays and confront workers.
Amid the backlash, Target elected to move displays to the back of its stores in some locations in Southern states, in addition to pulling certain items from its stores. The retailer confirmed that this year, decisions about where to carry Pride-themed products and displays would be based on "guest insights and consumer research." The brand would not confirm which of its 2,000 stores will carry Pride Month merchandise but noted that products will be available online.
