{"id":6620,"date":"2023-08-03T07:01:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T06:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-uk\/?p=6620"},"modified":"2025-08-11T04:18:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T03:18:36","slug":"skyy-vodka-and-pride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-uk\/trends\/skyy-vodka-and-pride\/","title":{"rendered":"Colours of Change: SKYY’s Snapshot of Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

From tiny startup to vodka superstar<\/h2>\n

\"SKYYPRIDE<\/p>\n

In 1992, SKYY Vodka burst onto the sunny streets of San Francisco. And just like many other incredible things that came out of San Francisco (like the television, jukebox, and bendy straw), SKYY started as a tiny startup with big dreams. But this wasn\u2019t just <\/span>any<\/span><\/em> vodka. It was the brainchild of first-generation American inventor Maurice Kanbar, whose mission was to create the smoothest vodka the world had ever tasted. And he did so with great success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SKYY turned the vodka game on its head with its unique quadruple-distilled and triple-filtration process. In 1996, they took their reach to a global level with Gruppo Campari. Twelve years later, in 2008, SKYY launched SKYY Infusions, a fresh spin on flavoured vodkas featuring true-to-fruit flavours. The rest, as they say, is history, and ever since its creation back in 1992, SKYY Vodka has become a much-loved American vodka brand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A cheerleader for Pride<\/h2>\n

\"Cheerleader<\/p>\n

In a world that celebrates diversity and champions equality, there are heroes who rise above to support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community. They march alongside activists, lend their voices to advocacy, and fight against discrimination and prejudice.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SKYY has been a loud and proud supporter of Pride since its inception and has championed causes close to the hearts of LGBTQIA+ communities. Through its incredible support, SKYY has created safe spaces and events where everyone can freely express themselves. They stand side-by-side with the Pride community, spreading love, acceptance, and empowerment. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Pride Month ends in America, it\u2019s a good time to reflect on the remarkable strides that have been made toward equality and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. While there have been numerous brands that have shown their support over the years, one stands out as a true supporter. SKYY Vodka\u2019s unwavering commitment to inclusivity has resonated with people from all walks of life. The Mixer looks back on SKYY\u2019s incredible contributions and the lasting impact they’ve had on the LGBTQIA+ community. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2013: Cheers to equality<\/h2>\n

In 2013 the battle for marriage equality in America was in full force. SKYY Vodka was right there and wasted no time in picking a side. The brand launched a campaign called #CheersToEquality, and turned their support into action. This is also the same year that people were boycotting Russian vodka because of their not-awesome-at-all anti-gay laws. SKYY\u2019s stance was that they were an American vodka made for everyone. They were proud to show their support for inclusivity and equality, and they did it in style. It became clear that SKYY wasn\u2019t just any old vodka brand. They stood for what they believed in and let the rest of the world know that love knows no boundaries. We think that\u2019s pretty rad. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2015: All you need is love<\/h2>\n

\"SKYYPRIDE<\/p>\n

In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court was gearing up to announce its ruling on gay marriage. SKYY Vodka partnered with <\/span>Freedom to Marry<\/span><\/i><\/a>, a national organisation whose goal was to help win marriage for same-sex couples nationwide. It was SKYY\u2019s second year running their <\/span>Toast to Marriage<\/span><\/i> campaign, and they were out in full force! Starting in April and up until the court\u2019s decision in June, SKYY sponsored various events in New York, Dallas, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Austin, and Detroit. They rallied support from all walks of life, including political advocates, brand bigwigs, creative geniuses, and digital influencers. Even Vice President Joe Biden showed his support and made a surprise appearance at the New York event.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal of this unique partnership and campaign was to encourage supporters in each state to show their belief in marriage for all by raising a \u2018Toast to Marriage\u2019 on various social media platforms and encouraging their friends, family, and followers to join them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With robust social media backing, SKYY unveiled their “Toast to Marriage” website, empowering and encouraging supporters to share their perspectives using the campaign’s central hashtag, #ToastToMarriage. The company provided a platform for individuals to express their views, while also amplifying their stance on the matter through extensive online support.<\/span><\/p>\n

On June 26, 2015, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favour of the freedom to marry nationwide. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n