THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

Pride Is Love

Entered in LGBTQ Community Engagement

Objective

The "Pride is Love" series stands out as a beacon of inclusivity, authenticity, and support within the WNBA community. The primary objective of this series was twofold: to spotlight and celebrate the partners who stand by WNBA players throughout their basketball seasons and to challenge and debunk the misconception that the league does not fully support its queer athletes.

The creative approach taken in this series was both innovative and impactful. By featuring the relationships of a WNBA coach and her wife, as well as a WNBA player and her fiancée, the series showcased the diverse experiences and authentic connections within the league. These portrayals were not only authentic but also presented in a fun and creative manner, resonating deeply with audiences and breaking down barriers of representation.

Strategy

Strategy and Execution for "Pride is Love" Series:

The strategy behind the "Pride is Love" series was meticulously crafted to elevate production value, amplify LGBTQ+ representation, and challenge stereotypes within the WNBA community. Here's an overview of the strategy and execution:

1. **Agency Collaboration for Production Excellence:**
   To ensure the series achieved the highest production standards, we collaborated with a specialized agency known for its expertise in inclusive storytelling. This partnership enabled us to leverage their creative resources, technical skills, and industry knowledge to elevate the visual and narrative quality of the series.

2. **Talent Selection:**
   Central to the series' success was the careful selection of talent who embodied the ethos of being "loud and proud" about their LGBTQ+ identities. By choosing individuals who were unapologetically authentic, we aimed to showcase diverse experiences and inspire audiences with relatable narratives.

3. **Involvement of Talent in Creative Process:**
   Recognizing the importance of authentic representation, we actively involved the selected talent in the creative process. Their input and insights were invaluable in shaping the storyline, ensuring that the series authentically reflected their lived experiences and relationships.

4. **Strategic Debut During Pride Month:**
   The timing of the series launch during Pride Month was strategic and intentional. By aligning with this significant cultural moment, we maximized visibility, engagement, and impact, effectively positioning the series as a celebration of love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

5. **Multi-Platform Distribution:**
   The series was strategically distributed across multiple platforms to maximize reach and engagement. While the initial launch occurred on social media channels, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, we also leveraged the WNBA app and integrated the content into league pass breaks for the remainder of the season. This omnichannel approach ensured that the series reached diverse audiences, including both avid fans and casual viewers, throughout the WNBA ecosystem.

By implementing this comprehensive strategy, the "Pride is Love" series successfully achieved its objectives of elevating LGBTQ+ representation, challenging stereotypes, and fostering greater acceptance within the WNBA community. Through thoughtful collaboration, strategic timing, and multi-platform distribution, the series not only celebrated love and support but also paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in sports media.

Results

The overwhelmingly positive feedback received for the "Pride is Love" series speaks volumes about its impact and significance. Audiences praised the series for its refreshing portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, its celebration of love and support, and its role in debunking misconceptions about the WNBA's stance on queer athletes.

The "Pride is Love" series achieved its objectives of celebrating love, authenticity, and support within the WNBA community while also challenging stereotypes and promoting greater visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ athletes. This series serves as a shining example of the power of inclusive storytelling and the profound impact it can have in fostering a more inclusive and supportive sports environment.

 

Media

Video for Pride Is Love

Entrant Company / Organization Name

WNBA

Entry Credits