It has become common practice to expect retailers and corporate sponsors to produce merchandise in June to honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month. While it’s wonderful to be able to increase the community’s visibility and show one’s support throughout the year by wearing and using these products, it’s vital to remember that retailers and other corporations don’t always use the funds to give back to the community.
At Change Matrix (CM), we try to be mindful that our support of this community is as equitable and inclusionary as it is festive. Here are a few brands that are making sure to give back this Pride Month, and the full list compiled by USA Today, can be seen here.
1. A Tribe Called Queer
A Tribe Called Queer describes itself as a “multidisciplinary brand that features a gender-neutral and size-inclusive clothing line, podcast, zine, virtual events, and a blog.”
Created by Sabine Maxine Lopez, the Los Angeles-based shop offers LGBTQ-affirming apparel year-round and hosts various events, workshops, and classes that work to inform the community about LGBTQ+ culture and activism.
2. Adidas
This world-renowned apparel company has been celebrating Pride for years, and in 2021 it has continued that trend with a brand-new shoe line. This year, its Pride shoes will benefit Athlete Ally, an organization that works to provide “LGBTQI+ inclusive athletic environments, and of our efforts to mobilize athletes, teams and leagues to use their platform to champion equality. Learn more about our work throughout 2019 in our 2019 Annual Report.”
3. Apple
Apple has long been a champion of LGBTQ+ inclusivity. In fact, its current CEO, Tim Cook, has been openly gay since 2014. This year, Apple Watch owners can enjoy Pride bands as well as new watch faces. The company supports organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ equity like Encircle and National Center for Transgender Equality.
4. Harry’s Razors
Operating since 2012, Harry’s Razors is one of the younger companies on this list. For Pride 2021, the company has collaborated with artist Zipeng Zhu to create a uniqely styled Pride razor, and 100% of the profits Harry’s receive from this product will go to benefit The Trevor Project.
5. LEGO
As of June 1, this iconic toymaker released the “Everyone Is Awesome” LEGO set. The 346-piece model is the work of gay designer Matthew Ashton who said that he wanted to take action in supporting the LGBTQ+ community this year.
“… Being LGBTQ myself, I knew I needed to step up to the plate and make a real statement about love and inclusivity, and generally spread some LEGO® love to everybody who needs it,” he said in a statement. “Children are our role models and they welcome everyone, no matter their background. Something we should all be aspiring to.”