In a world where positive news narratives can be difficult to find, Seattle is celebrating with the launch of the #weSEAlove campaign and advocates are welcome. Just in time for the city’s renowned Pride celebrations June 23-24, Visit Seattle, the city’s official destination marketing organization, launched the new Instagram account and campaign as a call to arms for all those who believe in the power of humanity, the dignity of the individual and the respect for people of all kinds.
For the next 365 days, the account will showcase a new photo or video representing the diversity of Seattle’s LGBTQ community and celebrating what can happen when doors remain open and tolerance and diversity belong in a city.
“Seattle is an incredibly inclusive community and one that has a rich history in celebrating the human experiences that bind us while supporting each other’s differences,”Visit Seattle Senior Vice President &CMO Ali Daniels said. “The new Instagram account, @weSEAlove, will be a powerful tool in celebrating the history of one of our communities through powerful images and storytelling.
Since the campaign celebrates love for everyone, it is also an open conversation for anyone.We encourage residents, visitors, friends, advocates, members of the LGTBQ community and those who aren’t, to share images of love – in all its forms – by using the hashtag #weSEAlove.
Always pushing limits, Visit Seattle worked in partnership with their agency of record PB& to source and procure stories and photos of important historical dates as well as profiles of present-day advocates, business leaders and friends of the LGTBQ community in Seattle for the project.
“People are making mindful choices in where they travel and do business,” Visit Seattle President & CEO Tom Norwalk said.“In a climate where business and visitors alike are met with unparalleled information, it is more important than ever to showcase and celebrate Seattle’s long history of inclusivity and support, which have been at the cornerstone of our success. We welcome all those, regardless of their background or where they come from, as Seattle is a community where everyone belongs.”
To support the new campaign Visit Seattle will also unveil the second video in a four-part series called Crowdsourced. This special LGBTQ–themed episode debuts June 14 – just ahead of Seattle’s Pride Celebrations – on VISITSEATTLE.tv and follows Robin Cloud a Brooklyn-based comedian, writer, director and producer.
Stripped of her smart phone and with only a paper map, a Polaroid camera, and locals-only recommendations to rely on, Cloud sets off on an adventure to explore the rich diversity of Seattle’s LGBTQ community and the powerful contributions it continues to make.
As part of its marketing initiatives, Visit Seattle made a strategic pivot in fall of 2015 to leverage VISITSEATTLE.tv as a model more akin to a TV network with engaging programming. They’ve produced award-winning original content which has led to increased site traffic, record video views and numerous industry accolades.
