Our ambition is to build brands with a social purpose. We focus on creating products that reflect the diversity of the consumers we serve, helping make a positive difference to our communities. As part of this, we continue to take action to support LGBTQ+ communities throughout the year.
Here are just some of the things we’ve been doing during Pride month in June and beyond.
Speedo
This June, Speedo are sharing stories from its US ambassadors about the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ communities in and out of the pool. The brand has partnered with Team Speedo athlete and Olympic medallist Erica Sullivan, FINA Artistic Swimming World Series Champion Javier Dumaine and his husband Michael Dumaine, and The Long Beach Grunions swim team to share their stories of empowerment, resilience, and determination.
Speedo is matching all payments to its LGBTQ+ influencers in a donation to The Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
ellesse
To celebrate Pride, ellesse has announced a collaboration with independent UK streetwear brand Goguy. Together, ellesse x Goguy have launched a Teletubbies collection, celebrating the much-loved children’s TV characters.
The collection officially launched in Manchester on 24th with an event hosted by Ru Paul’s Drag Race queen Baga Chipz MBE and will also be worn by the Teletubbies at London’s Pride parade on 2nd July.
Kickers
This year saw Kickers continue its support of up-and-coming talent with the launch of Kickers Presents, its platform for supporting new creatives and offering advice for entering the industry. Recent features have included Trackie McLeod, the Glasgow-based LGBTQ+ artist who has just released his new exhibition MILK LEMONADE CHOCOLATE at The Pipe Factory.
SeaVees
To celebrate its fourth year of partnership with Pacific Pride Foundation, SeaVees has created a fresh design for one of its best-selling silhouettes—the Hawthorne slip-on. Designed in collaboration with the Pacific Pride Foundation, $5 from every purchase of this shoe supports the free and affordable services they offer the LGBTQ+ community.
Pentland Brands
We want our people to bring their best selves to work, so they can collaborate, innovate and be creative. That’s why we’ve set up four diversity and inclusion employee networks, including an LGBTQ+ network. These networks help people share experiences, learn from each other and take action in areas that matter to them. All our networks are open to everyone in our business because we believe that together we can make a difference.
Find out more about how we’re taking action here.
