Project documenting Pride flags across the world lands gold

Published on 16 February 2023

Sunderland Lecturer Drew Dalton’s instrumental work as part of the Flag in the Map campaign is recognised at an awards ceremony celebrating the social impact work of prominent activists across the world.

North-east-based human rights charity ReportOUT, chaired by Drew and the Gilbert Baker Foundation have won the 'Gold' award at the Second Annual Anthem Awards, winning the category of 'Global Awareness Campaign' for the powerful Flag in the Map Project.

Other winners of the 2nd Anthem Awards, which honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies and organisations, this year included actor, writer and director Billy Porter, acclaimed journalist and trailblazing feminist Gloria Steinem, and Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

Flag in the Map is an educational project documenting people flying their Pride flags from all over the globe, with entries from people ranging from Kenya, Ukraine, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Kakuma Refugee Camp, China, and Uganda. From over 200+ entries, 50 were made into placards.

This stirring collection of photographs and stories shows the universal power of the Pride Flag to inspire LGBTQIA+ people all around the world. It highlights the bravery of everyone who shared their story, especially people from countries where their everyday existence is threatened. The stories shared are hopeful, sometimes harrowing, but always fascinating and a testament to the enduring strength of the Rainbow Flag and the community it serves.

The placards have since been showcased in exhibitions across the globe, from London, New York, Leeds, San Francisco and the Stonewall Memorial Park. 

Drew, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Sunderland, said: “For our partnership to achieve gold for the Global Awareness Campaign of the year means that our Flag in the Map Project showed outstanding and effective work by a global organisation or programme that raises awareness for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

He added: “To everyone who submitted a picture, we at ReportOUT and the Gilbert Baker Foundation, nominate this award win for all of you, well done!”

The 2nd Annual Anthem competition received nearly 2,000 entries from 43 countries worldwide. 

Anthem Awards Managing Director Jessica Lauretti, said: “The sheer number, breadth and overall quality of the entries shared with us in the 2nd Annual Awards is a testament to the strength of this growing movement and demonstrates an enduring commitment to the work that is both humbling and inspiring to see. 

“From the war in Ukraine, to protests in Iran and the ongoing battle for equality here at home in the States, the call for change not only perseveres but is a growing global chorus."

She added: "Selection as a winner means your work not only demonstrates world-class talent, leadership and execution, it is also a best-in-class example of the work leading the way in the Impact Industry today."

Winners for the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards will be celebrated at the Winners Celebration on February 27th 2023 in New York City. Fans will be able to hear from social impact leaders and their hallmark speeches at www.anthemawards.com.

‘Flag in the Map’ stories and photographs have been made into a stunning book, of which all profits made from sales of the book go back to the Gilbert Baker Foundation to carry on their important work, and to ReportOUT, to help continue to report, inform and defend, the human rights of LGBTQI+ people globally.