Each year for Pride Month, global brands surprise the LGBTQ + community by creating unique items and collections that share the stories from the community.
And for the past several years, I have most eagerly awaited the collection from Levi’s.
Levi’s has been strong allies with outreach community during some of our darkest days in the 80’s and continue to boldly stand with our community, ensuring advancement of our human rights, today.
This years collection titled ‘Not Our First Rodeo’ shares a timeline of Levi’s support for LGBTQIA+ rights and issues and celebrating queer joy through self-expression—with a collection inspired by LGBTQIA+ rodeo culture from the ’70s to today.
The collection is as original and unique as the LGBTQ+ community and in support of this collection, Levi’s will makes a $100,000 USD donation to Outright International, a global organization, as they have been doing since 2019
Another organization doing amazing things is Freddie; Canada’s leading LGBTQ2S+ health provider.
This year they have launched a movement titled ‘Protect Our Pride’ safeguarding and celebrating Pride, urging reflection on its inclusive meaning and advocating for mutual support.
With this Freddie is partnering with Keith Haring Foundation and CANFAR to help prevent HIV transmissions with PrEP, all while raising money for a good cause.
For every new patient referred by an existing Freddie user during the campaign, Freddie will donate $25 to support HIV/AIDS research in Canada up to a total of $25,000.
Additional each person who refers or has been referred will have a chance to win limited edition Freddie x Keith Haring apparel.
And of course, right here in Calgary, we have a number of great people doing great things to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Local Writer and Author Kevin Allen has been documenting and profiling queer people and events for 30+ years through freelance writing and editing for various queer publications. Today Kevin takes visitors on historical walks, sharing stories from the community and has even written a best-selling book: Our Past Matters: Stories of Gay Calgary.
Local business Ollia Macaron & Tea creates our cities finest and most delicious macarons.
This June they have release a Pride collection where 50% of all its sales will be donated to Camp fYrefly and Skipping Stone; Organizations which provide essential resources, support and opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ youth in Alberta.
Lastly, if you’re looking to celebrate, resilience, diversity, and community, The Confluence Historical site and Parkland is hosting Queer Prom on June 28th.
Did you miss out on a much-deserved, authentic queer prom experience? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect event to celebrate pride and community in a 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly environment, you won’t want to miss a night of glitter, glam, music, and food as The Confluence recreate all the magic of a perfect Prom night for 16+ members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Happy Pride Month from the FAB fam!
xo Ryan aka Mr.Fab
