Vans celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month with donation of $200,000 donation and new collection

To celebrate Pride Month 2021, Vans has unveiled its latest pride footwear and apparel collection, alongside a donation of $200,000 to four LGBTQ+ organisations from around the world.

Pride is celebrated worldwide as a cultural moment for all to stand united in celebration of the impact for the LGBTQ+ community has brought to society.

Inspired by the LGBTQ+ community and the spirit of creative self-expression, the company has released a footwear and apparel collection that is designed to support a more equal and inclusive society.

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 company has previously stated its commitment 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 has selected four organisations who continue to champion equality, safety and education amongst the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

The four organisations that will receive a share of the $200,000 donation include:

• Vans Americas will donate to GLSEN, an organisation that works to cultivate a safe and supportive school environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
• Vans Americas will also give back to Casa 1, an organisation 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 Asia-Pacific region will partner with Tokyo Rainbow Pride as part of their 2021 'Raise Your Voice. Change The World' 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 in May and continue throughout June, which is celebrated as Pride Month. In the UK Vans and Where Love is Illegal will partner with local artists from the LGBTQ+ community to design windows inspired by the testimonials from the organisation.