Rainbow Brews: Supporting LGBTQ Causes One Beer at a Time
Crafting a beer is an artform, and when it’s done for a good cause, it takes on even more meaning. The global beer industry has been helping and celebrating the LGBTQ community with ‘Rainbow Brews.’
What are Rainbow Brews?
Rainbow Brews are beers that are specifically designed to support and celebrate the LGBTQ community. These beers are brewed with a mission to create a more just and equitable society for members of the LGBTQ community. Not only do they raise awareness and celebrate pride for the community, but they also contribute from a portion of the sales proceeds to LGBTQ organizations.
Why are Rainbow Brews important?
The Rainbow Brews phenomenon is an excellent example of how the beverage industry can promote unity and support various communities beyond their product lineup sales. Given that beer has historically been a male-dominated industry, the inclusion of such beers can have a significant impact on communities that need it the most. These breweries have realized that their customers can follow their actual values; therefore, they oblige themselves to voice out through their beers.
Rainbow Brews not only celebrate the LGBTQ community, but they have become an essential tool for creating awareness and funding for numerous organizations. Supporting Rainbow Brews is not only drinking a beer but a political statement and a sign of solidarity and inclusion.
The History of Rainbow Brews
Appealing to the sense of the public to increase LGBTQ awareness and funding did not start recently; breweries have been doing this for some time now. Boston Beer Company, the creators of Samuel Adams, made Stonewall Inn IPA in 2018 to remember the Stonewall Rebellion and further the LGBTQ approval for the company. The Rebellion was a historical event in which the First Pride March was held on Christopher Street, New York City, in 1970.
Also that year, New Belgium Brewing Co. created the Transatlantique Kriek. The beer was fermented with cherries from Belgian Sour cherries and blended with hops and a lambic-style ale from Belgium. They collaborated with the Human Rights Campaign and will donate proceeds to the organization’s LGBTQ advocacy program.
In 2019 Coronado Brewing released Mosaic S.M.A.S.H., a beer that celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT). Proceeds were donated to San Francisco’s LGBTQ Center as the significance of the beer.
Where Can You Find Rainbow Brews?
Thankfully, numerous breweries have made Rainbow Brews. Many of these companies have collaborated with LGBTQ groups to promote their beers’ purpose and support the community further. You can find Rainbow Brews in bars, restaurants, and stores in nearly every major city in the world. You can also order them online, and many breweries ship their beers directly to your door.
Is It Just Beer?
No, it’s not. Breweries have branched out into spirits and wines, and the concept of Rainbow Brews has flowed into these branches of the beverage industry as well. As such, many of the wine and spirits producers have recently collaborated with LGBTQ groups and created Pride products. The advocacy they generate and promotion of LGBTQ community values in this movement is seamlessly consolidated in each of their products.
The Future of Rainbow Brews
The future of Rainbow Brews is bright as it brings a lot of advocacy to the LGBTQ community, as well as promote understanding and acceptance. Some of the breweries’ most prominent inclusive values have made it a central part of their campaign strategy.
Going forward, it’s clear that many beer, wine, and spirits producers will continue to create special products designed to support the LGBTQ community and promote awareness. It will be no surprise to see more Beer brands and other beverage providers embrace the inclusive culture of Rainbow Brews and contribute to the continuing movement.
FAQs About Rainbow Brews
Q: Do breweries donate a significant amount of money to the charities?
A: The amount differs from brewery to brewery. However, it should be expected that breweries donate 5-10% of their proceeds.
Q: Can Rainbow Brews only be found in certain locations?
A: No, Rainbow Brews are available in bars, stores, and restaurants worldwide.
Q: Are Rainbow Brews only for the LGBTQ community?
A: No, Rainbow Brews promote unity, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds.
Q: Can I order Rainbow Brews online?
A: Yes, many breweries offer shipping options straight to your door.