For Pride 2019, Spark and OutLine have shone a light on parents of those in the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on the trans community.
The emotional one-minute spot called ‘Let’s Talk’ by Colenso BBDO, features mother Dee and her son Hunter from Rotorua.
Dee talks emotionally about coming to terms with her son’s transition, her fears and worries and how wonderful her and Hunter’s relationship has become. It ends with the line “Let’s talk. Even if you don’t know what to say.”
OutLine is a charity that offers a free support line to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends and family.
Beth O’Brien and Thom Darlow, the creative Colenso team behind the work, say they “couldn’t be prouder to work with a company like Spark, who have the integrity to stand behind the rainbow community”.
Frith Wilson-Hughes, Spark’s social lead, says it was a privilege to meet Dee and Hunter and give them the space to tell their story.
“We’re in awe of their courage.”
OutLine chief executive Alexander Stevens II added that it’s “time to spark the conversation”.
“Coming out to friends and whānau about gender or sexual identity can be a challenging and confronting process. And for family and friends, it can be an emotional time as well. Supporting each other is key.”
Last year, Spark marked Pride 2018 with the ‘#thankstoyou‘ campaign, that celebrated the organisations and individuals who’ve helped advance perceptions and attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community.
Last year also saw Spark announce its partnership with OutLine.
Credits
Client: Spark
Sarah Williams, Brand COE Lead
Frith Wilson-Hughes, Brand Lead Partner – Social
Agency: Colenso BBDO
Media: PHD
Director: Abigail Greenwood
Production company: Finch
