Vans Celebrates Free and Creative Expression this Pride Month by Amplifying the Stories and Mission of the LGBTQ+ Community
Vans is donating a total of $200,000 USD to GLSEN, Casa 1, Where Love is Illegal and Tokyo Rainbow Pride Organizations.
Since 1966, Vans’ brand purpose has been to enable creative expression for fans around the world, regardless of where you come from, the color of your skin or who you love. Vans recognizes the Pride movement as an inspiring global moment of authentic self-expression, and proudly celebrates the empowering spirit and identities of the LGBTQ+ community.
To celebrate Pride 2021, Vans will be donating a total of $200,000 USD to four organizations from around the world including GLSEN, Casa 1, Where Love is Illegal and Tokyo Rainbow Pride to support and uplift their personal stories and mission.
Pride is celebrated worldwide as a cultural moment for all to stand united in celebration of the tremendous impact for the LGBTQ+ community has brought to society. Vans is committed to advocating for support of the LGBTQ+ community year-round as a driving philosophy towards equality and progression.
With a global approach in mind, Vans selected four organizations who continue to champion equality, safety and education amongst the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
Vans Americas will donate to GLSEN, an organization that works to cultivate a safe and supportive school environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Vans will highlight the stories and narratives of their local ambassadors including Get Lit poet, Tyris Winter, painter, designer and printmaker, Mich Miller, skateboarder, photographer and creative director, Samuel McGuire, singer and songwriter, Serena Isioma, and more to highlight the relationship between creativity, identity and community.
Vans Americas will also give back to Casa 1, an organization that seeks to promote structural changes by providing safe shelter and access to culture, education and health resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
Vans Europe will partner with Where Love is Illegal, a project by Witness Change, that shares personal testimonials of survival from the LGBTQ+ community to help connect people, transform opinions and support real change. Vans and Where Love is Illegal will partner with local artists from the LGBTQ+ community to design 45 windows across Europe inspired by the testimonials from the organization. Vans Family members in Europe will also be able to connect with Where Love is Illegal, through an in-app donation initiative, For every 100 points donated, Vans will convert it into a €10 donation which will go straight to the partner.
Vans Asia-Pacific region will partner with Tokyo Rainbow Pride as part of their 2021 “Raise Your Voice. Change The World” digital activation that aims to build awareness and policy change so that all genders, races and beliefs can be equal. Vans Pride storytelling and activations around the world will kick off throughout May and June.
Inspired by the LGBTQ+ community and the spirit of creative self-expression, Vans will release a footwear and apparel collection that is designed to support a more equal and inclusive society this May. Vans Classic silhouettes including the Classic Slip-On, Era, Sk8-Mid and UltraRange, will reinterpret the iconic rainbow checkerboard pattern through repeat print executions, all-over patterns and mixed material patchwork applications. The Pride assortment includes accompanying apparel and accessories. “When I was younger, I was so scared to merge my queer life and my skate life, and to see the two crashing into each other in such a beautiful and organic way is cool,” said skateboarder and campaign photographer, Samuel McGuire who grew up skating in Vans. “To work with a brand that is involved in the queer community and that was so influential in my life is a dream come true.”
The Vans Pride collection is on-sale now at select Vans stores and online at Vans.com. Learn more about our charity partners at Vans.com/pride.
