ABSOLUT celebrates the 30th anniversary of the rainbow flag

ABSOLUT VODKA is widely recognized as one of the first consumer brands to embrace the lesbian and gay rights movements, with supportive relations to the LGBT community dating back to the early 1980's. Now, as the rainbow flag, the overarching symbol of the LGBT movement, turns 30, ABSOLUT joins the celebrations with a dedicated initiative, ABSOLUT COLORS.

Absolut gay vodkaflaske ABSOLUT COLORS was introduced in May 2008, with the launch of a limited edition package inspired by the rainbow flag where the text on the bottle carries a message on embracing diversity. Apart from the special edition bottle, the ABSOLUT COLORS initiative will also include a limited edition cocktail book - the ABSOLUT COLORS Cocktail Collection. The book is a stylish guide to colorful drinks, based on the six colors of the rainbow flag.

"There are few brands that can honestly say that they have helped to make a difference," says Gilbert Baker, creator of the rainbow flag. "In my mind, and with my perspective, ABSOLUT can definitely take pride in being one of few that supported lesbian and gay rights in times when support was needed. I am glad to see that the support continues and it is my sincere hope that ABSOLUT COLORS will help encourage people to let their true personality shine through."

Symbol of progress

In 1978, Gilbert Baker of San Francisco designed and made a flag with six stripes representing the six colors of the rainbow as a symbol of gay and lesbian community pride. Slowly the flag took hold, and today it is recognized by the International Congress of Flag Makers, and is flown in lesbian and gay pride marches worldwide. This year the flag acts as a symbol of progress made, and friends of the movement are invited to join the celebrations.

The limited edition ABSOLUT COLORS bottles and cocktail book will be available in travel and duty free stores as well as in retail stores in selected markets. Funds raised from the sales of the bottle and book, and also funds from an online campaign and initiatives on local markets will be donated to InterPride, The International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Pride Coordinators, to support the organization's worldwide networking, education and mutual support of member LGBT Pride Organizations.