To celebrate the full spectrum of diversity that resides within the LGBTQIA+ acronym, home furnishing giant
IKEA Canada has teamed up with individual artists active in the community to create
“love chairs” inspired by the
pride flags of different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The sofas, armchairs and loveseats in the line convey messages that are sometimes playful, sometimes didactic, and that aim
to celebrate identity and share love stories . In this way, each work gets a unique cover that, although not available for purchase, seeks to
promote an authentic and intimate narrative – whether it’s about self-love, romantic love, or love for the community at large.
The series hopes to spark conversation around the topic and
inspire members of the community to open up their own conversations . The IKEA armchairs were created by four designers, three of whom identify as queer and one of whom is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Claudia Mayne , Director of Marketing Communications at IKEA Canada, comments: "This partnership is a way to
help artists in different communities express themselves on a larger platform . Each of the 'love sofas' was designed in collaboration with a member of of the community and was inspired by the colors and
personal meaning of the corresponding flag . Each designer was given the freedom to create a unique piece of art."
Jules Reeves, a trans woman who participated in the campaign with her partner Michael, comments: "It means a lot to us that the focus of the campaign is
on our love for ourselves and others , because that love is what awakens the feeling of home and belonging to the queer community".
