Absolut is celebrating LGBT+ History Month this February with a new national campaign featuring some familiar faces from within our community. A Drop of Love is all about encouraging consumers to pledge their allegiance to equality and empower others to become an ‘Absolut Ally’. This national campaign sees Absolut partner up with the founder of gal-dem magazine Liv Little, comic & writer Shon Faye, co-founder of inclusive club night Pxssy Palace Nadine Artois, activist and writer Tanya Compas, nightlife curator and founder of Guys That Nail It Jay Jay Revlon and LGBT+ club night collective Bitch Please! as well as one of the leading allies within the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community, equality charity Stonewall UK; in addition to launching a striking new bottle design. For the past 35 years, Absolut has stood proud with the LGBT+ community believing in creating a better, happier and more open world and feel it’s now more important than ever to share a message of love and acceptance. I caught up with Liv Little to talk about the campaign, being a role model, allies and equality.

Congratulations on the new campaign with Absolut. As an important driving force for the LGBT+ community, what does this campaign mean to you and what made you sign up to be a part of it?

It was a great opportunity to work with such important voices within the community on something which is practical and easily accessible. I also really liked the creative element in using messages of hate and subverting them. I decided to take a part in A Drop of Love as it’s an opportunity to spotlight stories and not only to work with some of my favourite, inspirational people but also to bring other voices into the fold. It is ultimately another way to tell people’s stories and provide practical tips for how people can support members of the community and be an ally on a day to day basis.

You’re joined by some familiar faces from our community including Pxssy Palace’s Nadine Artois and activist/writer Tanya Compas. How does it feel to share such a special campaign with people you know and consider family?

It feels wonderful. I’m massive fans of them both. I’ve worked with Tanya loads before and it’s always a pleasure. Her presence is so uplifting and she’s doing such important work in giving the next gen a voice – just as Nadine and the rest of Pxssy Palace provide an invaluable safe space which tolerates no form of ism.

Absolut teaming up with Stonewall UK for this campaign is quite a monumental moment for our community especially as February is LGBT+ History Month. How has the response been to the campaign?

Yep. Perfect timing. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive so far as to the talent involved and the message behind it.

‘A Drop of Love’ is all about ‘encouraging people to pledge their allegiance to equality and in return receive advice on how to be a better ally. What advice would you give to members of our community and allies about equality and staying true to who you are, what you believe in and what you love?

I think it’s all about listening which is what Jay Jay wrote about in his section of the campaign. Listening with the intention of really hearing people is something we can all be better at. In terms of staying true – it’s hard when there are cultural barriers and a lack of representation for people that look or reflect you. Fortunately, there are so many people to follow/look up to and connect with. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible individuals and groups who provide a space for our voices to be heard. 

What do you want people to take away from the ‘A Drop of Love’ campaign?

I hope that they take away some practical suggestions which are easily implemented in their day-to-day lives.

gal-dem, the online and print magazine was founded by yourself and is written by women of colour and non-binary people of colour for all to explore. How important is it for you to be a role model for in our community?

My goal is to provide spaces in which people feel their voices are valid and just as important as any other. If there are young people, young queer black girls who take solace/inspiration in seeing me and my peers taking up space then that is a beautiful thing. There is something so powerful about seeing people who you can relate to thrive.

The new Absolut Drop limited edition bottle is all about turning hate into love and it stands as a symbol for love, peace and good spirits. What do you think of the new design?

I think it’s a simple, beautiful concept.

Final question, what’s your favourite Absolut drink?

Ooh. My uncle genuinely buys me Absolut mango vodka for Christmas every year. That with some cloudy lemonade is yum!

For more information about Absolut’s A Drop of Love campaign, please visit www.absolutdrop.com. Make sure you follow Absolut on Twitter and Instagram. #ADropOfLove.