Rainbow Burning to Rainbow Washing: How (Not) to Manage LGBT+ Inclusion

Abstract

We introduce the notion of rainbow burning and develop the concept of rainbow washing, which draws on the concept of genderwashing, to explicate the instrumentalization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Plus (LGBT+) inclusion. Rainbow burning happens when LGBT+ rights and visibility are targeted through hate to divert attention from economic, social, and political decline. For example, LGBT+ rights are unjustly blamed for the decline of the social and economic fabric. Rainbow washing happens when an organization uses or instrumentalizes LGBT+ concerns for commercial and social ends. We draw on examples from unsupportive and supportive capitalist market systems and explore how rainbow burning and washing manifest in each. This chapter explores the antecedents, correlates and consequences of rainbow burning and washing in unsupportive and supportive contexts. We identify regulatory, cultural and governance measures that can be taken against rainbow burning and rainbow washing to foster LGBT+ inclusion.

Citation

Özbilgin, M.F. and Erbil, C. (2024), "Rainbow Burning to Rainbow Washing: How (Not) to Manage LGBT+ Inclusion", Gardiner, R.A., Fox-Kirk, W., Elliott, C.J. and Stead, V. (Ed.) Genderwashing in Leadership (Transformative Women Leaders), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 135-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-988-820241010