Creativity The 50 Gayest Ads Ever By David Griner|June 29, 2011 Share By David Griner|June 29, 2011 Share Why is it still so shocking to see gay people in mainstream ads? At a time when every other demographic is practically shoehorned into marketing for the sake of diversity, gays and lesbians are still all but invisible in the TV advertising landscape. But while you might not have seen many yourself, gay-themed TV ads are definitely out there. To close out Gay Pride Month, we tracked down 50 of them from around the world and organized them into seven categories that seem to keep popping up ("Lesbians Are Hot," "Don't Tell Mom," etc.). Check out the collection after the jump. Probably the most common way homosexuality is used in TV advertising is as a dramatic twist (or sometimes a punch line). Here are 10 ads that put subtly different spins on the surprise ending. Miller Genuine Draft Click to view YEAR: 2001 COUNTRY: USA AGENCY: JWT If you'll buy people drinks without even knowing what they look like, you're obviously not the narrow-minded type to begin with. Solo Click to view YEAR: 1995 COUNTRY: Norway AGENCY: JBR A classic "Oops, gay!" approach, this time used to sell Norwegian orange juice, though the product gets a bit lost in the mix. Silverjet Click to view YEAR: 2007 COUNTRY: U.K. AGENCY: M&C Saatchi Since an airplane is the only place where you really find co-ed bathrooms these days, I have to assume women are constantly having sex in the stalls everywhere else. Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. Click to view YEAR: 2004 COUNTRY: USA AGENCY: Unknown Philly tourism brings history and homosexuality together, without even turning it into a joke. Nice example of how destination marketers have been on the leading edge of gay-friendly advertising. Volkswagen Click to view YEAR: 2004 COUNTRY: Germany AGENCY: DDB Volkswagen finally breaks the stereotype that only straight people are lame enough to drive minivans. MTV Click to view YEAR: 2001 COUNTRY: USA AGENCY: Public Interest Productions/Radical Media One of the few ads that show gay people being active in a subculture, especially one as adrenaline-fueled as skating. Sony Click to view YEAR: 1999 COUNTRY: Australia AGENCY: Generator What, you can't carpool with a 1970s pro wrestler without being considered gay? Kronenbourg 1664 Click to view YEAR: 1998 COUNTRY: France AGENCY: Unknown If Mentos ads had lesbians and beer, they'd look like this. Dolce & Gabbana Click to view YEAR: 2006 COUNTRY: U.K./Italy AGENCY: Unknown One of several gay-inclusive international ads for Dolce & Gabbana. Johnnie Walker Click to view YEAR: 1997 COUNTRY: Australia AGENCY: Leo Burnett Johnnie Walker's Australian campaign in support of "revolutions" was ahead of its time, and probably a bit optimistic. As recently as 2010, Australia's Senate rejected a Marriage Equality Bill. Next page: Not every gay and lesbian ad features someone flaunting their sexuality. Keeping it mum around Mum (or Dad, or a co-worker, or a spouse) is another common theme. McDonald's Click to view YEAR: 2010 COUNTRY: France AGENCY: BETC Euro RSCG Subtle and surprising, this McDonald's ad sparked lots of buzz around the globe by bringing gay-friendly messaging to one of the biggest brands on Earth. Absolut Cut Click to view YEAR: 2006 Continue ReadingPages: 1 2 3 4 Adweek Adweek