Pride Style 2019
Real support for the LGBTQ+ community through clothing and accessories from brands that give back
It’s one thing to wave a rainbow flag one Sunday in June, and quite another to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community all year, ever year. And, while more and more brands are getting on board with Pride, few are actually giving back to the communities they claim to be supporting. This year, as with previous ones, it’s vital not to let Pride be reduced to basic or abstract concepts. We must talk about what strangles the values of Pride: trans women of color being murdered at increasing rates, disproportionate numbers of gay and bisexual women experiencing sexual violence, LGBTQ+ youth growing up among family members who make harmful, negative comments about the community. For these—and countless other reasons—it’s important to give, whenever possible, to organizations like The Trevor Project, the National Center for Transgender Equality, The Sylvia Rivera Law Project and the Human Rights Campaign.
For our 2019 Pride Gift Guide (like last year’s and the year before that), we recognize that wearing your heart on your sleeve is important, but so is putting your money where your mouth is. Each of these products incorporates a charitable element, with proceeds going to causes that need immediate assistance. So as you crack a Gay Beer and dress yourself for loud and proud celebrations, remember that Pride began as a riot, and we need to continue fighting for visibility, acceptance and kindness—in homes, schools, congress and beyond.
“Come As You Are” Hat
From queer-owned Wildfang, a brand committed to donating profits to various women- and LGBTQ+-focused organizations all year (in 2018 they raised $400k for charities), this six-panel cap ($34) puts it simply. Made with 100% cotton, the cap features an adjustable strap and a very positive message.
Pride Warm-Up Shorts
Made through a collaboration between Todd Snyder and Champion, these comfy sweatshorts ($138) are part of a Pride collection that blends two iconic logos: vintage Champion lettering and the rainbow colors of the LGBTQ+ flag. Crafted from 100% cotton and made in Canada, the best feature is the 20% of proceeds that go to National Park Foundation to support the Stonewall National Monument.
Rainbow Bandana
With 100% of the net proceeds from the release to be donated to OutRight Action International, Levi’s pride collection aims to benefit the global LGBTQ+ community. With socks, underwear, outerwear and more available, our pick is the very versatile ombre bandana ($18). With a classic paisley pattern, the rainbow-hued piece is a cheery accessory for all genders.
Universal Pride Flatform Sandals
From the top, these sandals ($80) look like classic Tevas. But from the side, a stacked rainbow flatform celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. With $15 from the purchase of each pair going to the Tegan and Sara Foundation, buying these sandals means sending support to an organization that contributes to summer camp scholarships for LGBTQ+ kids. While made for all genders, they’re listed in traditional women’s sizes.
Words Matter 50/50 T-Shirt
With 100% of profits from their Pride collection headed for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, American Apparel has created a line of clothing that ranges from playful to poignant. The latter is the case with this “Words Matter” T-shirt ($24), which lists “forbidden” terms like transgender, diversity, science-based, fetus and vulnerable. Printed on 50/50 cotton/poly blend, the top has been made for all genders and comes in sizes XS to XL.
Chuck Taylor Pride 2019 All Star
Celebrating one of the most marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, these Chuck Taylors ($65) are part of Converse’s 2019 Pride collection and are adorned with transgender flag-inspired designs. With the pale blue, pink and white striped flag featuring on the ankle patches, heel tabs and soles, the colors are also used in bold lightning bolts on the shoes. More importantly, proceeds from the brand’s Pride collection are donated to OUT MetroWest and the It Gets Better Project.
“Unity” Sweater
100% of net proceeds from the sale of this cropped, neon ASOS and GLAAD sweatshirt ($48) goes to the important organization. Part of the third collaborative collection between the two, this retro-style sweater features a tri-color “unity” graphic across the chest and a tour bill-style rundown of the shirt’s collaborators on the back. Made for all genders and sizes, the boxy sweater is available in sizes XS to US 28.
Electile Dysfunction T-Shirt
Printed by Revel & Riot (a non-profit brand devoted to promoting LGBTQ+ equality), the “Electile Dysfunction” T-shirt ($34) speaks out against “faulty voting machines, gerrymandering, cyber attacks, the Electoral College, voter purges, voter suppression and bullying and harassment at the polls.” Printed on 100% ring-spun cotton, this boxy shape is ideal for all genders and comes in sizes small to XXL.
“Bi Til I Die” Cap
Made in collaboration with actress Steph Beatriz, who maintains she’s “Bi ’til I die,” this cap ($21) by Kidd Bell supports those attracted to their own gender, and all others. Available in red or blue script, each six-panel cap is embroidered, not printed. Most importantly, 20% of net proceeds benefit The Trevor Project, who offer a 24/7 crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth.
“Gender Is A Drag” T-Shirt
With a delightful double entendre printed on 100% cotton, Otherwild’s “Gender is a Drag” T-shirt ($30) is made for people of all ages—the slogan is available on baby onesies, toddler T-shirts or adult-sized tops. While promoting an important message, a portion of proceeds goes to the National Center for Transgender Equality, which works to change policies, laws and societal stance regarding the rights of trans people.
Images courtesy of respective brands
