Pride in Advertising & Marketing (PrideAM) has announced self-described "executive drag queen" Genie Gurnani as chair of the inaugural PrideAM Awards, celebrating the best in 2sLGBTQ+ marketing.
Currently head of brand editorial and social creative at The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles, Gurnani is a seasoned marketing executive whose career has included stints in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Creative roles with Netflix and Vice Media were preceded by a stint as global creative director at the former J. Walter Thompson, and CD roles at Dentsu and Publicis Groupe.
Gurnani is also a well-known drag queen who competed in Ru Paul's Drag Race Thailand, the first international edition of the popular reality show. In a release, PrideAM said that their experiences showcase a "unique ability to bridge creativity, advocacy, and innovation."
In their role as chair, Gurnani is charged with spearheading a "transformative vision" for the show celebrating exceptional marketing within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. "Their diverse background and commitment to authentic representation promise to elevate the awards' mission of recognizing impactful campaigns and fostering inclusivity," said PrideAM in a release.
Currently head of brand editorial and social creative at The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles, Gurnani is a seasoned marketing executive whose career has included stints in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Creative roles with Netflix and Vice Media were preceded by a stint as global creative director at the former J. Walter Thompson, and CD roles at Dentsu and Publicis Groupe.
Gurnani is also a well-known drag queen who competed in Ru Paul's Drag Race Thailand, the first international edition of the popular reality show. In a release, PrideAM said that their experiences showcase a "unique ability to bridge creativity, advocacy, and innovation."
In their role as chair, Gurnani is charged with spearheading a "transformative vision" for the show celebrating exceptional marketing within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. "Their diverse background and commitment to authentic representation promise to elevate the awards' mission of recognizing impactful campaigns and fostering inclusivity," said PrideAM in a release.
“There are few that have the experience Genie has," said PrideAM founder Scott Knox in an email to The Message. "Agency and marketing, along with being a sensational Drag Queen? We’re gagging—this is immense.”
"I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair for the inaugural 2024 PrideAM Awards,” added Gurnani. “As a marketer, I know how advocacy can connect us with 2SLGBTQ+ audiences. But as a drag artist, I know first-hand how positive representation inspires and ignites our community. I’m thrilled to celebrate the remarkable creative efforts that are driving change in society. This work matters.”
The inaugural PrideAM Awards have four categories: For-Profit Campaign; Internal Campaign/Initiative; Not-for-Profit Campaign and Use of Queer Media. According to their website, they will celebrate campaigns that are about "more than just rainbows."
"We’re looking for authentic storytelling, innovation, and genuine inclusivity," it said. The entry deadline for the PrideAM Awards is Jan. 31. Additional details can be found here.
