LGBT-QR Codes Launch with Partners | Clear Channel

Clear Channel, The Elton John AIDS Foundation and Ogilvy UK Launch LGBT-QR Codes

09 Jun 2022 / News
By Clear Channel UK View Author on Twitter
A Billboard Live screen over a busy road with a yellow creative of the Elton John QR code

Clear Channel and creative agency Ogilvy UK partner with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to turn digital Out of Home screens into charitable donation points across the UK and Europe.

Clear Channel UK, a leading Out of Home media and infrastructure company, and Ogilvy UK’s Proud network, have partnered with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to launch LGBT-QR Codes – an innovative new fundraising platform set to debut worldwide during Pride 2022.

An iconic image of Sir Elton John has been transformed into an LGBT-QR Code – a new fundraising mechanic which turns functional monochrome QR codes into instantly-recognisable design icons.  Appearing in European cities and alongside Pride march routes throughout the Summer, each LGBT-QR Code takes users to a donation page for the charity.

An Adshel screen with a pink image of the Elton John QR code

“Elton’s face has appeared on album covers, tour posters and all sorts of fabulous merchandise – but a QR code is certainly a first!” said David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment and Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “With the support of Ogilvy UK and Clear Channel, we are thrilled to have been able to create a meaningful and purposeful fundraising platform in celebration of Pride month that drives the Foundation’s mission forward in overcoming stigma and hate.”

“As the global pandemic continues to exacerbate inequalities, it’s more important than ever that we spread the Foundation’s mission to reject discrimination in all its forms so that LGBTQ+ human rights are respected everywhere in the world,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of Elton John AIDS Foundation. “The farther we can spread this message to reach people of all backgrounds and beliefs via these high-trafficked billboards and turning their support to pounds, the closer we are to achieving a more accepting and inclusive world.”

Stepping beyond the norm of a tokenistic support message, Clear Channel will turn thousands of digital Out of Home screens into donation touchpoints powered by LGBT-QR codes, aligning allyship and fundraising through one simple platform.

Jason Jarvis, Creative Agency Account Director and LGBTQ+ Crew lead, Clear Channel UK: “As a one-to-many medium, Out of Home is the perfect platform to deliver campaigns that inspire, educate, and support the audiences we serve and represent. Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community has been important to Clear Channel and by partnering with  Ogilvy again we hope to make an even more tangible difference this Pride season. Flipping media sites into donation points is totally aligned with our support of LGBTQ communities and we’re excited to see this new campaign come to life alongside Pride marches in cities across Europe this summer.”

An Socialite screen with an orange image of the Elton John QR code

Matt Waksman, Strategic Partner, Ogilvy UK: “While the pandemic normalised QR codes, we saw an opportunity to use creativity to transform a traditionally functional format into a new fundraising platform.  Who better to partner with than one of the world’s most recognised LGBTQ icons, Elton John?”

The LGBT-QR Codes will first appear in Utrecht, then Rome, before rolling out across Europe.