Pride Style 2018
From socks to T-shirts and shorts, products with proceeds going to LGBTQ+ organizations
One way to show support and celebrate Pride and the community as a whole is by wearing your rainbow-colored heart on your sleeve, but it’s also important not to let Pride be reduced to said rainbows and vague concepts about love. The LGBTQ+ community should be respected and supported all year and every year which is why this product round-up features brands that actually give money directly to organizations benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. We also recommend donating regularly to such organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community (if you’re in a position to do so). Some of our favorites include The Trevor Project, The Sylvia Rivera Law Project, True Colors Fund, GLAAD and others.
Much respect and gratitude is owed to pioneers who fought for LGBTQ+ rights in this country—many (if not most) of whom were/are transgender and POC—for their courage and determination. So if you’re not in a position to donate funds or time to LGBTQ+ organizations, or buy products that support them, it’s worth Googling their names—perhaps start with Marsha P Johnson, Henry “Harry” Hay Jr, Audre Lorde, Sylvia Rivera and Bayard Rustin.
Take a look at our full Pride BUY section for more products that give back. And remember that the diverse and magnificent LGBTQ+ community deserves respect, acceptance, support and love 365 days a year.
Pride Jogger Colorblock Swim Short
Even just a rainbow trim speaks volumes. Such is the case on 2(X)IST’s Pride Jogger Colorblock Swim Short ($75)—all-white poly-microtwill with a colorful, celebratory accent. As for function, there’s a quick-dry mesh interior and deep side pockets, too. It’s the style that truly impresses, with retro dolphin splits at the side hem and a no-show rise. The brand is also donating proceeds to The Trevor Project.
Wild Feminist Pride T-Shirt
Founded and run by women, Wildfang supports the LGBTQ+ community all year—in 2017 they donated some $75K to various women- and LGBTQ-focused organizations including the ACLU and the Tegan and Sara Foundation. Right now, they’re sending a portion of the profits from the sale of the Pride iteration of their Wild Feminist T-shirt ($40) to The Trevor Foundation. The relaxed fit top is boxy and made for all genders; available in size from XS to 2XL.
“As I Am” Pin
Right to the point, Poketo’s colorful “As I Am” lapel pin ($10) is made to celebrate you as you are. Plus, for the month of June, 50% of the proceeds from sales with go directly to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which offers the community support regarding health, housing, social services, education, leadership, advocacy and more. Last month the organization opened their 3,000-square-foot Trans Wellness Center—which is the result of six different local organizations joining forces.
Haskell Prism Sunglasses
With $10,000 each going to The Trevor Project and Lambda Legal—two organizations that offer support to the LGBTQ+ community in a multitude of ways—Warby Parker’s “Prism” collection of Haskell-style sunglasses ($95) offers a rainbow of colorways. From pink to red, blue and beyond, the new colorways are bright and statement-making—and our pick is Amethyst Crystal.
GLAAD& Oversized Sweatshirt
With the message of “Unity &” embroidered in an array of colors on the front, ASOS’s GLAAD-partnered oversized sweatshirt ($45) reads loud and clear. The unisex item offers a roomy, active fit. Further, 25% of the proceeds from every shirt sold go to GLAAD—an organization protecting love equality.
Mesh Rainbow Tote Bag
This mesh tote bag ($20)—complete with rainbow strap—is made by UO in collaboration with GLSEN, an organization that’s aiming to create more LGBTQ+-inclusive schools. With a mission that benefits both children and teens, the group was founded by a small team of teachers 25 years ago. UO will be donating $10 from the sale of each tote directly to GLSTEN in celebration and support of Pride.
Rainbow Striped Socks
Celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community (as they do every year) Levi’s has released their 2018 Pride Collection, and our pick from it is the two-pack of striped socks ($18). Made from 77% cotton, they have plenty of stretch and feature the all-familiar and cheerful rainbow flag colors.
Pride + Miley Cyrus Chuck Taylor All Star High-Tops
Year after year, Converse finds ways to bring a rainbow’s worth of color to their annual Pride Collection. This time they enlisted the help of Miley Cyrus and the many designs convey true joy. Our favorite unisex style ($70) features glittery polka dots on the canvas upper—but there’s a surprise underneath as well. We truly love the collection though because all net proceeds will support the Happy Hippie Foundation, a non-profit benefiting LGBTQ+ youth.
Images courtesy of respective brands
