# Pride-Celebrating Sandwiches Marks and Spencer Released an LGBT+ Sandwich to Promote Inclusivity By Grace Mahas | Published 2019-05-28 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lgbt-sandwich References: [independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/marks-and-spencer-lgbt-sandwich-charity-reaction-twitter-a8897631.html) & [marksandspencer](https://www.marksandspencer.com/ca/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxNOF78a84gIV1rrACh2i6AiAEAAYASAAEgLOuvD_BwE&extid=ps_ggl_4PS_CA_ALL_Brand_MarksandSpencer&kwid=_Google+Adwords&s_kwcid=AL!2750!3!295678536442!e!!g!!marks) Marks and Spener, a British retailer, recently announced the launch of an [LGBT+ sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marks-spencer-dessert-sandwich) to celebrate June's [Pride Month](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2slgbtqi-community). The £3 sandwich contains lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato, each item representing a letter in the LGBT acronym (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). The limited-edition sandwiches are packaged in a rainbow-colored box. Marks and Spencer commented saying: "The BLT is one of our most-loved sandwiches and we're really excited to give it a delicious twist for our customers to enjoy while celebrating Pride season." The well-intentioned brand is facing some backlash from the community for equating them to a sandwich. Some critics have also called the campaign "gay-washing" and "blatant exploitation of a marginalized community for a huge profit." In response, Marks and Spencer also announced a [£10,000 donation to an LGBTQ+ supporting charity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pflag-canada) as part of its campaign. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Pride Sandwiches:** Opportunity for innovative food companies to create Pride-themed menu items that promote inclusivity and support the LGBTQ+ community. - **Inclusive Marketing:** Potential for brands to develop inclusive marketing campaigns that authentically engage with marginalized communities, avoiding accusations of exploitation. - **Corporate Social Responsibility:** Growth in consumer demand for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social causes, creating opportunities for brands to support and donate to LGBTQ+ organizations. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies can capitalize on the trend by creating Pride-themed products or partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations to support the community. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Marketing agencies can help brands develop authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and avoid potential backlash. - **Retail:** Retailers can promote inclusivity by partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations, donating proceeds from Pride-themed products, and creating safe spaces for the community. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Celebratory Pride Month Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pride-whopper.md) - [Charitable Ice Cream Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-caramel-romance.md) - [Prideful Sprinkle-Topped Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pride-shake-1.md) - [Pride Month Popcorn Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorn-shed-pride-month.md) - [Pride Month Candy Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-pride-packaging.md) - [Limited-Edition Pride-Celebrating Oat Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sogay.md) - [Pride-Celebrating Cracker Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tempo-crackers.md) - [Colorful Pride Month Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-pride-cake.md) - [Pride-Supporting Bakery Staples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-pink-block-party-lemonade.md)