Money talks, and the LGBTQ+ community knows how to make it count. Our global spending power is estimated at over $3.9 trillion—a force that goes beyond consumption and into activism. We don’t just buy products; we invest in values. And we notice when brands pull back on their commitments.
A recent U.S. analysis by Collage Group confirms a broader trend: when companies reduce their inclusion efforts, consumers react. In the U.S., 38% of shoppers adjust their purchasing based on a brand’s social stance, with an even greater impact among LGBTQ+ individuals. Cases like Bud Light and Target, which faced backlash after caving to conservative pressure, highlight the risks of performative allyship.
And this isn’t just an American reality. European brands, too, are under scrutiny. In Brussels, in Berlin, in Barcelona—queer consumers expect more than Pride Month campaigns. We demand long-term commitment, fair representation, and tangible support. Brands that waver risk losing more than just queer customers; they lose credibility in an era where authenticity is everything.

The queer community has always had to fight for visibility. Now, with our wallets, we hold brands accountable. Inclusion isn’t a seasonal trend—it’s a non-negotiable. And companies that fail to understand that? They’ll pay the price.
You may also like
-
No One Left Behind: Inside Brussels’ Rainbow Refugee Committee
For LGBTQIA+ people forced to flee their homes, Belgium can be a place of safety—but
-
Kazakhstan: When Being Queer Becomes a Crime
This week, Kazakhstan moved closer to adopting a new law that would restrict what it
-
Marching Anyway: What Budapest Pride Tells Europe
Hungary’s LGBTQIA+ community is once again at the centre of a political storm. Hungarian police
-
More Fun Than Monopoly, More Queer Than Scrabble
Join us every Sunday for a cozy queer board game afternoon in Brussels! This event
-
Save the Crazy Circle – Keep Brussels’ Queer Joy Alive
Two years ago, you helped us save The Crazy Circle from closing its doors. Thanks to your
