It's 2021, and everyone should be able to understand the basic concept of acceptance and equality now. Unfortunately, however, even today, there is mass vocalization against the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. While some companies are blatantly open and obvious about their hate towards the community, we’re looking at a different type of evil today – companies that are more two-faced.
Confused? Let’s put it this way. You have a friend who claims they love and support you but somehow, you find out that they don’t uphold those same claims in front of a different set of people. Wouldn’t you consider that hypocrisy and a violation of trust?
Pexels | Automakers in the US and Asia are the same but their policies not so much
The Bitter Truth
Well, this is the case with your favorite automakers that “act” as the leading voices in the pursuit of acceptance and equality. Companies like Hyundai, Toyota, and Subaru are top listed when it comes to equality in the United States of America. But, do they demonstrate the same energy in their home states?
The answer is no.
Pexels | Big car companies hold so much influence - only if they would use it in the right place
Yes to The Rainbow!
The South Korean-originated company, Hyundai Motor Co., has backed the LGBTQ+ community for many years. They even showed support for the community by launching an LGBTQ+ Pride series with Shangela as the series’ face, a star from RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show that focuses on celebrating queer people. And that’s not all! The company also released a minute-long promotional video created by a gay-owned production featuring a gay couple, a surrogate mother, and drag queens.
The Other Side of the Coin
While Hyundai’s unnerving support to the LGBTQ+ community is evident in the States, the case is entirely different when it comes to South Korea. While the country has strict laws and discrimination against the gay and transgender community, what is more shocking is that there is little to no support from automakers either. No uplifting commercials, promotion of Korean LGBTQ+ stars, or even sponsorships or collaborations with the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
Pexels | Everyone deserves to be accepted and heard, no matter your sexual orientation
According to Lee Dong-geol, the General Director of the Korea Gay Men’s Human Rights Group, Hyundai leaves behind its acceptance and equality speech in the west. He also mentions that supporting Gay Rights isn't a part-time thing that you can carry out in one part of the world and not the other. This shows their true dedication to the actual cause.
It is unfortunate that the LGBTQ+ community has to fight for the right of expression and these automakers are not helping at all.
