The 50 Gayest Ads Ever
Why is it still so shocking to see gay people in mainstream ads? At a time when every other demographic is practically shoehorned into marketing for the sake of diversity, gays and lesbians are still all but invisible in the TV advertising landscape. But while you might not have seen many yourself, gay-themed TV ads are definitely out there. To close out Gay Pride Month, we tracked down 50 of them from around the world and organized them into seven categories that seem to keep popping up ("Lesbians Are Hot," "Don't Tell Mom," etc.). Check out the collection after the jump.
Probably the most common way homosexuality is used in TV advertising is as a dramatic twist (or sometimes a punch line). Here are 10 ads that put subtly different spins on the surprise ending.
Click to view YEAR: 2001
COUNTRY: USA
AGENCY: JWT
If you'll buy people drinks without even knowing what they look like, you're obviously not the narrow-minded type to begin with.
Click to view YEAR: 1995
COUNTRY: Norway
AGENCY: JBR
A classic "Oops, gay!" approach, this time used to sell Norwegian orange juice, though the product gets a bit lost in the mix.
Click to view YEAR: 2007
COUNTRY: U.K.
AGENCY: M&C Saatchi
Since an airplane is the only place where you really find co-ed bathrooms these days, I have to assume women are constantly having sex in the stalls everywhere else.
Click to view YEAR: 2004
COUNTRY: USA
AGENCY: Unknown
Philly tourism brings history and homosexuality together, without even turning it into a joke. Nice example of how destination marketers have been on the leading edge of gay-friendly advertising.
Click to view YEAR: 2004
COUNTRY: Germany
AGENCY: DDB
Volkswagen finally breaks the stereotype that only straight people are lame enough to drive minivans.
Click to view YEAR: 2001
COUNTRY: USA
AGENCY: Public Interest Productions/Radical Media
One of the few ads that show gay people being active in a subculture, especially one as adrenaline-fueled as skating.
Click to view YEAR: 1999
COUNTRY: Australia
AGENCY: Generator
What, you can't carpool with a 1970s pro wrestler without being considered gay?
Click to view YEAR: 1998
COUNTRY: France
AGENCY: Unknown
If Mentos ads had lesbians and beer, they'd look like this.
Click to view YEAR: 2006
COUNTRY: U.K./Italy
AGENCY: Unknown
One of several gay-inclusive international ads for Dolce & Gabbana.
Click to view YEAR: 1997
COUNTRY: Australia
AGENCY: Leo Burnett
Johnnie Walker's Australian campaign in support of "revolutions" was ahead of its time, and probably a bit optimistic. As recently as 2010, Australia's Senate rejected a Marriage Equality Bill.
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AdFreak is your daily blog of the best and worst of creativity in advertising, media, marketing and design. Follow us as we celebrate (and skewer) the latest, greatest, quirkiest and freakiest commercials, promos, trailers, posters, billboards, logos and package designs around. Edited by Adweek's Tim Nudd. Updated every weekday, with a weekly recap on Saturdays.
