Pride 2025: Less Hate, More Love

At Waggel, we celebrate Pride every single year. It’s something that means a lot to us - not only from a professional point of view but from a personal one, too. As always, we want to use our platform for real, positive and long-lasting change because we believe companies can (and should) do more with their power and influence than simply changing their logo to a rainbow hue for 30 days of the year.

In recent years, we’ve done this by selling Pride t-shirts via Everpress, with 100% of proceeds going directly to MindOut, a Brighton-based charity providing vital mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community.

While we’re continuing that tradition in 2025 (with a brand new design!), this year, we want to do more.

After receiving hateful comments in response to an ad we published recently, we’re more motivated than ever to show up, speak out and get involved because hate is not accepted at Waggel, nor will it ever be.

Earlier this year, we released a social media advertisement depicting two men and a Labrador (see image above). The ad was created to showcase our pet insurance offering and highlight what makes us different.

The response? A flood of homophobic comments - not at all about the product, but based purely on assumptions, prejudice and discrimination. It was upsetting, disappointing and a stark reminder that, despite the progress that’s been made, homophobia is still alive and well.

For those of us who identify as LGBTQ+, we’re proudly so - and we’re not going anywhere. And no one should be allowed to spew hate without being challenged.

That’s why this Pride, we’re stepping up. Not just in words, but in action.

This year, we’re also turning the spotlight inwards. Pride has always been about community, and that includes our own team here at Waggel. So, while we’re continuing our commitment to raising awareness and funds externally, we’re also creating space to reflect, connect, and celebrate within.

Throughout June, we’re inviting colleagues to share what Pride means to them—whether it’s a sentence, a memory, a personal reflection, or a message of solidarity. We’ll be turning these into a series of quote cards to share across our social media channels, showcasing the voices, experiences, and identities that make up the Waggel team. It’s an opportunity to honour individuality, build understanding, and foster a stronger, more inclusive workplace culture.

We’re also bringing back our Pride t-shirts - this year with a beautiful, brand-new, in-house design. As before, all proceeds will go directly to charity. In 2025, we’re proud to be supporting Not a Phase, a UK charity working to uplift and centre the lives of trans+ adults through advocacy, awareness, community-building, and accessible support.

Because Pride isn’t just about showing up once a year - it’s about listening, learning, supporting, and celebrating all year round. And that starts from within.

Purchase your limited edition Pride tee here!

You don’t need to march at Pride to make a difference. There are loads of ways to support the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and beyond:

• Buy a Waggel Pride t-shirt: As always, 100% of proceeds go to Not a Phase, a brilliant organisation doing impactful work supporting the trans+ community in the UK.

• Donate directly to LGBTQ+ charities doing crucial work year-round, like MindOut, AKT, Mermaids, and The Outside Project.

• Call out hate when you see it, whether it’s online or in real life. Solidarity matters.

• Educate yourself and others - listen, read, amplify queer voices and never stop learning.

We’ll keep saying it: Pride isn’t a branding opportunity. It’s a reminder, a protest, a celebration and a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go.

At Waggel, we’re proud to be part of a community that shows up, speaks up and refuses to be silenced. Whether you’re LGBTQ+, an ally, or still figuring things out, you’re welcome here.

Here’s to queer joy, resilience and action.