Ad Council Launches Pro-LGBT 'Love Has No Labels' Campaign

A new Ad Council campaign, launched this month, is bringing together some of the most well-recognized brands and companies from all over the country in the name of embracing diversity and helping people recognize and end their biases.

The campaign, called "Love Has No Labels," seeks to shed light on stories of bias and discrimination in everday life, addressing issues including disability, religion, weight, race, and sexuality

"Most Americans agree that people should be treated respectfully and fairly. Yet many people in the United States still report feeling discriminated against," says the campaign's official website. "The reason might be that we're actually discriminating unintentionally -- we do 98 percent of our thinking in our subconscious mind. And that's where we collect and store implicit biases."

Launched just before Valentine's Day, the campaign is supported by some big names in business, which were chosen based on their commitment to inclusion and diversity. They include Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo, companies that scored highly on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

In addition to providing funding, these companies will help create print and digital public service announcements and promote content through social media, including sharing a special graphic that promotes the "Love Has No Labels" campaign.

Eight major nonprofits are also participating in the campaign: Southern Poverty Law Center, Human Rights Campaign, AARP, Muslim Advocates, National Women's Law Center, American Association of People With Disabilities, and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

"Our nation is making great progress in promoting equality and reducing acts of discrimination, but there is still much to do. As long as people continue to endure harassment; as long as they do not or cannot feel safe being themselves in our schools, our workplaces and our communities, our work is incomplete," said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to partner with these iconic brands in asking all Americans to think about their own beliefs and perceptions and to shine a brighter spotlight on the need for greater acceptance and equality in our country."

The Ad Council, known more formerly as the Advertising Council, has worked with the government, nongovernmental organization, and nonprofits for decades in the creation of public service announcements. Past campaigns have sought to prevent drunk driving, the spread of HIV, and the bullying of LGBT youth.

For more information on "Love Has No Labels" and to learn how you can identify your own bias and prejudice through a special quiz, visit the official website at LoveHasNoLabels.com.