Many of us are familiar with Skittles all-gray Pride packs, meant to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the candy brand has decided to add a splash of the rainbow.
For the 2022 Skittles Pride Packs, Skittles has teamed up with GLAAD and six talented LGBTQ+ artists to design original packs to represent how they "see the rainbow" everyday in their lives. While the candies themselves will still be gray, the packaging will be beautifully colored with art celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Skittles has put together a diverse group of queer and trans artists from various backgrounds to show just how diverse the LGBTQ+ rainbow is. The first are Ash + Chess, the art company consisting of queer and trans couple Ashley Molesso and Chess Nedham from Richmond Virginia.
Other artists include Mia Saine, a Black nonbinary illustrator and designer based in Memphis; Chi Nwosu a Black, first-generation Nigerian American, nonbinary artist based in Chicago; Meg Lee, an Asian-American trans nonbinary artist and activist; and Kah Yangni, a Black, nonbinary illustrator living in Philadelphia.
"I am proud that I have the opportunity to share what love can look like," Saine says. "I want to share how love is limitless, vast, and full without fear. My new found self-love and confidence in my identity encourage me to show up and love for others. I want to let people know that we are figuring ourselves out together and it is a vulnerable process. My existence may bring discomfort to those who do not fully know me or themselves. I want to focus on how my existence and purpose can enrich the lives of those who share love and space with me."
Lee adds that they're proud to be a part of the project because visibility, representation, and celebration matter. "Showing my colors and creativity is how I hope to help other LGBTQIA+ folks feel less alone in a world that often makes us feel like we have to hide our true colors and self-expression," they say.
To make sure that the artists get the credit they deserve, each pack has a QR code on it that leads to a virtual studio where you can learn more about the artist, their work, and their inspiration.
"GLAAD is proud to continue our ongoing partnership with Skittles in its efforts to celebrate, support, and increase visibility for the LGBTQ+ community," John McCourt, GLAAD's deputy vice president of strategic partnerships, said in a statement. "We hope the artists' stories that Skittles shares inspire our community and our allies. Amplifying LGBTQ art and artists helps further GLAAD's mission to accelerate acceptance."
Additionally, Skittles is donating $1 for every Pride Pack purchased, up to $100,000, to GLAAD. Pick up your Pride packs, in both 4oz share size packs, and 15.6oz sharing size stand-up pouches at select retailers nationwide from May through June. To learn more, check out their special Pride website.
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