America's Biggest Celebrities, Brands Turn Red for Marriage Equality

Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio and Smirnoff, others have helped equality logo go viral

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over the past twenty four hours, many of America's most recognized brand names and Hollywood's biggest stars have joined millions of people around the world in sharing a modified red version of the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) logo in support of marriage equality.  HRC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, launched a social media campaign Monday afternoon in conjunction with two marriage cases before the Supreme Court this week, in an effort to raise awareness and help showcase the broad and diverse support for marriage equality.

"Support for marriage equality is growing every day, but this one simple image gave countless millions a straightforward way to show their support for this civil rights cause—many for the very first time," said HRC President Chad Griffin.

Dozens of celebrities have shared HRC's red logo or messages via social media, including Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, Fergie, Russell Simmons, Kristen Bell, Alicia Keys, Patrick Stewart, Carson Daly, Kathy Griffin, George Takei, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Jake Johnson, Jaime King, Mandy Moore, Whitney Cummings, Abby Wambach, Jason Mraz, Tegan & Sara, Sophia Bush, Lance Bass and Alyssa Milano, as well as the official Facebook page for HBO's True Blood. 

Some of America's biggest brands, including Orbitz, Fab.com, and Kenneth Cole have also taken note of the logo's viral popularity, launching personalized versions of their own.  Bud Light created a modified version of HRC's logo, using two beer cans for the equal sign.  Popular clothing retailer Bonobos used khaki pants, and Kimpton Hotels used two pillows.  Martha Stewart Living posted a slice of red cake with icing as the equal sign to Facebook.

As part of HRC's robust social media efforts around the two cases before the Supreme Court, the red logo launched on the HRC Facebook page at 1:00pm ET Monday.  Originally designed in 1995, HRC's standard blue and yellow equality logo is one of the most visible and recognized symbols of the LGBT equality movement.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

SOURCE Human Rights Campaign