Coming out takes many forms but it always takes courage.

In a time when it often feels like rights across the board are being rolled back for women, people of color, immigrants and those who identify as queer, it feels paramount to remember why we got into this business in the first place. It all started because we wanted to shed light on communities that go unseen, and issues that are too often unaddressed.

June is Pride month, so we are casting our eyes back to a few years ago, when we worked with Define American to create an inspiring piece, titled ‘Coming Out.’

“We must destroy the myths once and for all. Shatter them. You must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends, you must tell your neighbors, you must tell the people you work with. You must tell the people in the stores you shop in. We must continue to speak out, and most importantly we must come out.’ - Harvey Milk

Define American approached us with a beautiful concept, juxtaposing coming out as queer and coming out of the shadows as an undocumented immigrant in America. Using a snippet of audio from a Harvey Milk speech to underscore the need for equality, space and representation of immigrants in America, was truly inspired.

Thematically, ‘Coming Out’ is a human story about how our undocumented neighbors, friends, and colleagues lurk in the shadows out of fear. Fear of deportation, fear of separation from their families, fear of their livelihoods being turned upside down. To visually express that theme, we started with a slow burning visual reveal. By giving the viewer hints of a diverse array of people through silhouettes, and extreme close ups, we highlighted the shadows that the undocumented workers are emerging from.

As an Oakland creative agency, it’s always fulfilling to be able to produce a piece of content for an organization whose values align with your own. In this case, Define American’s mission is one of equity and inclusion. And that is something we stand behind. After all, it’s why we got into this business.

Help us celebrate pride month and the magnificent diversity that defines America by checking out the piece, ‘Coming Out’.