R Public Relations Firm
Beyond Rainbows: Embedding LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Year-Round PR Efforts
Every June, Pride Month bursts onto the scene in a kaleidoscope of color and celebration, reminding us of the unbreakable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. For those in the world of public relations, this vibrant tapestry is a clarion call to examine how we weave the threads of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the very fabric of our work. In our interconnected global village, embracing DEI is no longer just a noble ideal — it's a strategic imperative for public relations professionals. We must amplify voices that have been muted, shine a light on stories that have been overshadowed, and create spaces where every hue of the human experience is welcomed and uplifted. Pride Month challenges us to step up, stand out, and be agents of positive change, using powerful communication tools to shape a more inclusive world.
Reflecting Society's Diversity with Inclusion
PR professionals are tasked with communicating messages that resonate with a diverse audience. The population comprises individuals of various races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. Effective PR strategies must reflect this diversity to ensure all voices are heard and represented. Embracing DEI in PR helps build trust and credibility with a broad audience, fostering stronger relationships and promoting inclusivity.
Enhancing Creativity and Innovation
Cultivating creativity and driving innovation requires tapping into the well of diverse perspectives. In the public relations world, where captivating ideas are currency, diversity, equity, and inclusion unlock new realms of inventiveness. A team unified around these principles becomes a creative tour de force.
PR professionals expand their conceptual palette by embracing different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. An inclusive environment frees people to take bold, creative risks without fear of marginalization. When barriers to self-expression are removed, a torrent of ingenuity is unleashed. Disruptive campaigns and boundary-pushing initiatives become second nature.
Ultimately, DEI forges the alchemy that transmutes distinct voices into marketing gold. Diverse teams don't just access more ideas — they extract deeper insight into the human experiences that make campaigns resonate emotionally and culturally. For PR professionals seeking an innovative edge, embedding DEI isn't just an ethical imperative but a formidable creative advantage.
Strengthening Brand Reputation
Consumers are increasingly socially conscious today, so brands that prioritize DEI are viewed more favorably. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and social justice can significantly enhance a brand's reputation. PR professionals play a critical role in shaping this perception by ensuring DEI principles are woven into every aspect of their communication strategies. This helps attract a more loyal customer base and positions the brand as a leader in social responsibility.
Authenticity in DEI Efforts
While the importance of DEI in PR is evident, making these efforts authentic and effective requires careful consideration and genuine commitment. Here are some tips for practicing inclusion in PR during Pride Month and beyond:
1. Understand and Embrace the DEI Journey
Recognize that DEI is a continuous journey, not a one-time initiative. Emily Reynolds Bergh, founder of R Public Relations Firm and a seasoned PR veteran with over 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations, says, “Understanding the history and context of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, is essential to creating meaningful and respectful PR strategies. Educate yourself and your team about the challenges these communities face and the progress made over the years.”
2. Involve Diverse Voices
Authentic DEI efforts require the involvement of diverse voices at every stage of the PR process. This means including individuals from different backgrounds in brainstorming sessions, decision-making processes, and campaign execution. Doing so ensures that your strategies are inclusive and reflective of the communities you aim to reach.
3. Create Inclusive Content
When developing content, be mindful of language, imagery, and messaging. Use inclusive language that respects and acknowledges the diversity of your audience. Avoid stereotypes and clichés, and instead, focus on authentic representations. Collaborate with diverse creators and influencers to co-create content that resonates with their communities.
4. Celebrate Diverse Stories
Founded in 2016, R Public Relations Firm is a boutique lifestyle agency with a national presence. Under Emily's leadership, the talented team at R Public Relations Firm crafts compelling brand narratives that empower clients to leave a lasting impact on their communities.
Emily explains, “Pride Month is a great opportunity to celebrate diverse stories and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Highlight the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals within your organization and beyond. Brands can help amplify stories of resilience, courage, and success to inspire and educate your audience.”
5. Implement Inclusive Policies
Ensure that your organization's policies and practices support DEI principles. This includes creating a safe and inclusive work environment, offering equal opportunities for career advancement, and addressing any discrimination or bias. Inclusive policies demonstrate a genuine commitment to DEI and foster a culture of respect and belonging.
6. Measure and Evaluate Impact
It's crucial to measure and evaluate the impact of your DEI efforts to ensure their effectiveness. Use metrics and feedback to assess the success of your campaigns and initiatives. Regularly review your DEI strategies and make adjustments based on insights and feedback from diverse stakeholders.
7. Engage with the Community
Building solid relationships with LGBTQ+ organizations and communities can enhance your DEI efforts. Collaborate with community leaders and advocates to support their initiatives and amplify their voices. Engaging with the community demonstrates solidarity and commitment to promoting inclusivity and social justice.
8. Commit to Long-Term Change
DEI should be an integral part of your organization's mission and values. Commit to long-term change by integrating DEI principles into your business strategy and operations. This includes ongoing education and training for your team, regular assessment of your DEI efforts, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, but it's also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve equity and justice for all. For PR professionals, practicing inclusion in their work is a moral imperative and a strategic advantage. By embracing DEI principles, PR professionals can create more effective, authentic, and impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. As we celebrate Pride Month, let's commit to fostering a culture of inclusivity and continue striving for a more equitable and just society.
Highly Acclaimed PR Industry Leader Continues Momentum in 2024
Built with heart and innovation, R Public Relations is proud to boast the label of a boutique PR firm. The PR industry leader prides itself in understanding the custom needs of every client it works with. The team behind RPR is fueled by clients’ passions and the people that make their businesses run. With a mission to provide exceptionally creative and curated services for their clients, the team puts their heads together to solve novel PR and marketing challenges with creativity, strategy, and a bit of whimsy. RPR’s full suite of services includes campaign creation, public relations, event management, content marketing strategy, social media strategy, and creative services, including photography, art direction, and branding.
2023 was a banner year for R Public Relations (RPR), a fast-growing boutique PR firm. In addition to welcoming 14 new clients to its roster, the firm was recognized by six different publications for its excellence in the fields of marketing and public relations. These awards acknowledge everything from exceptional reputation management to overall preeminence in the field. The RPR team plans to take this momentum throughout 2024 as they dream up fresh, innovative ways to serve their clients.
PR Industry Leader RPR’s Recent Awards
- The 2023 Public Relations and Marketing Excellence Award which recognizes agencies and departments within companies who accelerate brand growth through exposing and promoting great business stories.
- Inc.’s Power Partners 2023, which identifies companies across multiple industries that consistently provide top-notch products and services.
- Great Companies’ Women Entrepreneurs Award, in which judges select high-potential female entrepreneurs with outstanding resumes. Winners must make a “distinctive, unusual, and innovative contribution” to their respective fields.
- Netty Awards’ Advertising and PR Awards, which recognize innovative PR and marketing achievements in the digital age.
- Luxlife Magazine’s Best 5-Star Lifestyle & Hospitality PR Agency 2023, which showcases the very best companies in the hospitality industry today.
- A slew of awards from Clutch Magazine, including Top Reputation Management Company and Top Event Management Company. Clutch awards are given to companies that demonstrate an exceptional ability to deliver consistent, high-quality work to clients.
- Public Relations Agency of the Year, bronze Stevie® winner in The 2024 American Business Awards®. The winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process.
- Most Reviewed Digital Marketing Leader for 2024 in The Manifest among Nashville digital marketing companies.
Know R Public Relations
With a presence in Tennessee, New York, and Texas, RPR has a history of successfully supporting new business launches, expansions, and major brand initiatives in these diverse regions. The team’s expertise lies in national media recognition, content support, and marketing and PR strategy — all of which work together to strengthen the operations of the small and mid-sized businesses on RPR’s client roster.
Emily Reynolds-Bergh founded RPR and, as a marketing and public relations professional with more than 15 years of experience, is the driving force behind the accolades. She possesses deep knowledge and expansive application of best practices in the PR industry and skillfully leads her team to deliver personalized PR services that produce exceptional outcomes for clients in the hospitality, business, and technology spaces and beyond. Emily’s aim for each client is to empower their highest professional goals and drive their brands to flourish.
The path to her current role at the helm of R Public Relations started by co-authoring a book in grad school that taught her the power of the written word and the value of storytelling. Having found her passion and purpose, Emily dove headfirst into freelance promotional writing, most notably an ongoing gig for Taste magazine. Then, she progressed through pivotal PR positions at Jason Dady Restaurant Group in San Antonio and Bread & Butter in Austin, as well as Bay Bird in San Diego, all the while amassing specialty expertise that would allow her to branch out on her own.
R Public Relations, the PR industry leader, was launched in Texas in 2016 as a customer-focused boutique PR agency serving lifestyle brands. Every day, Emily’s work is enhanced by the distinct perspective her advanced degrees in psychology, philosophy, and social work bring to her team’s campaigns. She remains motivated by her intention to better the world around her with her outreach efforts and is proud to represent a carefully curated list of clients who share that vision and commitment to making a positive impact on their local communities.
Meet the Founder, Emily Reynolds Bergh
Emily has been featured in a multitude of publications and podcasts — including PR on the Go, BuzzFeed, Successful Entrepreneur, Global Publicist, and Authority Magazine — adding to the long list of awards racked up by the firm at large. For its part, RPR has also earned numerous local and regional awards, including being named the Best PR Agency in Nashville by multiple outlets, a Top 10 Reputation Management Company by Mirror Review, and a Certificate of Excellence from Bark. Emily currently serves as a member of the Forbes Business Council and is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur.
As PR industry leaders, RPR and Emily understand the power of elegant PR told through captivating content, creative collaborations, engaging digital media strategy, dynamic event curation, and customized communications, the rarest kind. They help their clients make their mark on culture, and the team looks forward to accomplishing even more groundbreaking work in 2024.