06/10/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2022 10:17
Your True Self is Priceless Campaign, Sponsorship of Historic New York City Pride, Social Media Activation and Two Immersive Metaverse Experiences Create Opportunities for Education and Celebration
This Pride month, Mastercard® is proud to continue its longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community through Your True Self is Priceless, a campaign designed to celebrate the power that comes from embracing and living as your authentic self.
The Your True Self is Priceless omnichannel campaign extends across live New York City Pride events, a social media activation and into the virtual world through two immersive metaverse experiences in Decentraland and Meta's Horizon Worlds. As part of the campaign, Mastercard is asking members of the LGBTQIA+ community to write candid, handwritten letters to their younger selves during any time in their journey to embracing their true selves however they choose. These heartfelt messages collected through social media will celebrate the positive power of truth and authenticity and will be part of a virtual, immersive exhibition in Meta's Horizon Worlds, a gallery in Decentraland, and print, social and other mediums. People can share advice to their younger selves by following Mastercard on Instagram and Tiktok.
This celebration of Pride builds on Mastercard's commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, following the company's 2019 introduction of True Name, a card feature allowing transgender and non-binary cardholders to display their chosen name on their Mastercard, giving them a way to proudly represent their true self and increasing their comfort and safety in everyday transactions.
"Building a world where everyone is included is foundational to Mastercard's values, and we're proud to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and freedom that comes when people live as their authentic selves-honoring those who are already doing so and those who are still striving for acceptance," said Rustom Dastoor, EVP North America Marketing and Communications, Mastercard. "This year's Pride brings new opportunities to reach people, both in the physical and digital worlds. We're excited to come together with our partners to create Priceless Experiences that celebrate, educate, inspire and uplift the community."
Kicking off today, live and online events scheduled throughout the month include:
With our physical and digital lives becoming more united than ever, Mastercard is also offering immersive virtual experiences that allow for self-expression and celebration.
In Decentraland's month-long global Metaverse Pride celebration, the Mastercard Pride Plaza will offer opportunities for community members and allies to connect in a space where attendees are encouraged to be their truest selves. Guests can experience:
In collaboration with Meta's Creative Shop and world creators RhondaX and SKitter, Mastercard is launching True Self World on June 21st in Horizon Worlds, a free, social experience that allows people to explore, connect and celebrate their true selves in virtual reality. Available in the U.S. and Canada, True Self World will serve as an ongoing virtual space where members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies can meet and interact in an immersive world through their Meta Quest 2 headsets. True Self World is part of Meta's Pride World Hub, built by LGBTQIA+ creators and will include communal and private discussion areas, games and other interactive activities, a virtual version of Mastercard's Acceptance Street sign, displays of the community's letters and more.