Unique calendar add-on highlights the annals of LGBTQIA+ culture - grab it now
The digital world is about to get a bit more colourful with the introduction of "Today is Gay", a Google Calendar plugin that aims to bring the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community back into the forefront. This innovative tool is a labour of love from The Ginger Beers, an LGBTQIA+ group at Wieden+Kennedy London.
The plugin is designed to integrate important milestones in the LGBTQIA+ community into users' daily digital planning. It does this by automatically populating the calendar with major events such as Pride Month, Trans Day of Visibility, National Coming Out Day, and the Stonewall Anniversary. Each event comes with a description, reminder, or notification to educate and remind users about the significance of these dates.
"Today is Gay" is not just about celebrations. It also includes historical moments, such as anniversaries, homophobic tragedies, and legal milestones. For instance, one entry discusses the resignation of Queen Elizabeth's bodyguard, Commander Michael Trestrail, after being in a relationship with a male prostitute. Another entry marks the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada.
The plugin also celebrates the birthdays of notable LGBTQIA+ figures like historian Lillian Faderman and Lithuania's first openly gay politician, Rokas Źilinskas. It even highlights lesser-known facts, such as the invention of the high-five by Glenn Burke, the first major league baseball player to come out as gay.
Wil Koslowski, comms planner at Wieden+Kennedy London, shares concerns about institutions fleeing from Pride and the fragility of progress. He sees "Today is Gay" as a joyful way to turn loss into gain. The team members of The Ginger Beers, including Wil, volunteered their time and care to bring this project to life.
To get started with "Today is Gay", simply visit the plugin's website, download it, and follow the installation instructions. The website also provides an Instagram account for following along. This tool serves as a reminder that every day is an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and engage with the LGBTQIA+ community and its rich history.
- The Ginger Beers, an LGBTQIA+ group at Wieden+Kennedy London, has creatively designed the "Today is Gay" Google Calendar plugin, aiming to highlight important events in the community.
- The plugin's layout integrates significant milestones, such as Pride Month and National Coming Out Day, into users' daily digital planning.
- It also includes historical moments, like the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada and the resignation of Queen Elizabeth's bodyguard, Commander Michael Trestrail.
- Notable LGBTQIA+ figures like historian Lillian Faderman and Lithuania's first openly gay politician, Rokas Źilinskas, are celebrated in the plugin's design.
- The plugin even showcases lesser-known facts, such as the invention of the high-five by Glenn Burke, the first major league baseball player to come out as gay, in its artistic presentation.
- Wil Koslowski, comms planner at Wieden+Kennedy London, believes that "Today is Gay" is a joyful way to remind people of the fragility of progress and encourages everyone to download and install the plugin.
- The plugin's website features an Instagram account where users can follow along and engage with the LGBTQIA+ community and its rich history, making it a valuable tool for those interested in fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and social-media lifestyle.
