Revolut has launched a new rainbow card to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) human rights, but some people are not happy about it.
Last year Revolut made 30,000 cards available to customers in the UK and Europe. This year it plans to make many more and to raise at least £500,000 to ILGA-Europe, a leading charity which campaigns for LGBTI human rights in Europe and Central Asia.
The cards will be available to any Revolut customers who donates a minimum of £3.00, or currency equivalent, to ILGA-Europe.
“Sadly, in recent years, Pride has become a marketing opportunity for a lot of brands, where they talk a lot about how much diversity means to them, but add little or no value to the community,” said a Revolut spokesperson. “By introducing a minimum donation, we hope to raise over £500,000 for an organisation that is campaigning daily for LGBTI+ human rights.”
The challenger bank will also enable customers to round-up their card payments and donate their spare change to ILGA-Europe, and set up weekly or monthly recurring donations, all through the app. All proceeds will go directly to ILGA-Europe, with no hidden fees.
“This is a critical time for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex equality in Europe, where we’re witnessing the stagnation and even regression of rights, made worse by the Covid-19 crisis,” said Anna Shepherd, partnerships manager at ILGA-Europe. “Because solidarity with the LGBTI community is more important than ever, we’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Revolut this Pride season.
“Support from the Revolut community has a real impact on our vital work strengthening and supporting frontline LGBTI organisations and activists across Europe and Central Asia, and the launch of new rainbow cards will allow us to do even more to support LGBTI communities, advocate for rights, and make profound positive change through inclusive activism.”
A tweet teasing the news on Thursday was met by approval from many Revolut customers asking how they could get their hands on the card.
However, not everyone was excited about the initiative. Some said that they now wished to cancel their cards. One individual calling himself Fabian demanded a card for “the straights too,” adding “I feel offended.”
Revolut replied on Twitter, “You feel offended because we’re supporting a community of people who have been discriminated against throughout history? Sorry if you feel that way Fabian, but this is a worthy cause to us.”
While some detractors on Twitter agreed with Fabian, others didn’t mince their words when they replied to his demand.
“Have to say, there [are] some idiots on here,” one said. “God help us.”
“They come out with a card design that promotes LBGTQ pride and straight people are moaning they want a design too,” a second Twitter user said. “[Literally] every OTHER design is available for you.”
“[It’s] just a look,” one user said. “[If] the rainbow design makes you feel ‘gay’ for having it, then I think you need to take a look at yourself!”
Some pointed out that the new card actually bares a striking resemblance to the cards issued by Revolut’s Dutch rival bunq, which normally has a rainbow on them, albeit not the Pride flag.
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