Unilever U.S. is continuing its commitment to United We Stand (UWS), a program dedicated to help improve conditions and access to critical services for underserved 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Kicking off its sixth year, UWS focuses on seven partner cities that score low on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which examines the municipal laws, policies, and services of LGBTQ+ people who live and work in those cities.
The most dramatic improvement has been seen at Freedom Oklahoma , a community-focused 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in Moore, Oklahoma, which advocates for safety and services with an emphasis on Two Spirit & Indiqueer peoples within the 39 sovereign tribal nations. Over the course of five years, Freedom Oklahoma has moved from 0-14 on the Human Rights Campaign index.
Highlighting the work of Freedom Oklahoma, the campaign launched a new short film,"Threads Together, which focuses on a community beading circle that functions as a safe space to connect and share experiences and knowledge. Through interviews with the participants, we hear the valuable ways that unity and joy can be centered and the courage and heart that Two Spirit and Indiqueer people gain from their identity.
This 4-minute film was developed in partnership with Freedom Oklahoma and Kelly Mantle, an alum of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and an Oklahoma native.
“As an Oklahoma native who has navigated small-town life as a 2SLGBTQIA+ individual, it was incredibly meaningful to partner with the team on this important campaign and go back to Oklahoma to hear, learn, and center these vibrant and vital perspectives,” said Mantle. “With Unilever United We Stand, we’re not just telling stories; we’re igniting change.”
Rana Reeves, founder of queer-owned creative agency RanaVerse, and community strategist Sean Coleman continue to spearhead United We Stand by developing partnerships to ensure ongoing funding of key frontline services including fighting conversion therapy, anti-hate legislation, workplace discrimination, HIV decriminalization, youth homelessness, and bullying, while funding access to mental health and wellness services, and nutritional support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in cities that often do not receive municipal funding.
View the YouTube video here: "Threads Together"