Skittles is hiring queer artists to redesign their packaging to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Skittles teamed up with five LGBTQ+ artists to redesign the candy brand’s packaging to tell their story. 

It includes Brooklyn illustrator Shanee Benjamin, who choose to combine the colors of the rainbow with her culture.  

“I was really inspired by super bright and bold pop art... literally we're tasting the rainbow,” said Benjamin. “I also wanted to pay homage to my culture by adding the gold teeth." 

For Chinese-born artist Zipeng Zhu, he was glad to show off his identity through his design.  

“As a queer person growing up in Asian, I tried to hide and stay away from who I truly am,” said Zhu. “After moving to this country for 14 years, I can finally truly embrace myself, and now I'm loud and proud." 

Pride-designed Skittles can be found at retailers like Target, CVS and Walgreens. When you open them, you’ll find color-less Skittles – a message from the brand for customers to give back the rainbow.  

“That’s one of the reasons why I love our project so much,” said Zhu. “Skittles decided to give back the rainbow to the community and then let the artist use every single color for the art that we’re creating.” 

For each pack sold, $1 will be donated to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to increase visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.