Against all odds, love always prevails. If you need evidence, look no further than the events of June 28, 1968. This was a time in US history when a majority of states criminalized acts labeled as “homosexual.” On that summer day in New York City, police raided Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community in Greenwich Village. In response, the community fought back and sparked a days-long uprising known as the Stonewall riots. This event was a turning point for the gay rights movement, and inspired the many Pride marches to come.
Fast-forward to today, we now recognize June as Pride Month, commemorating the ongoing pursuit of justice for the LGBTQIA+ community. At Threadless, Pride is a year-long celebration. Every day you can find all sorts of new Pride–themed art made by LGBTQIA+ artists and allies on Threadless. Some designs also raise money for charities through Threadless Causes. These organizations help ensure all gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals have access to the resources they need to not only survive, but thrive. They also advocate and fight for racial justice and human equality.
In the spirit of Pride Month, here are 10 designs that not only embody Pride in unique ways, but also benefit charities doing critical work around the world.
1. “Pride’s In, Bigots Out” by bvrdto
Imagine if all we needed to wash away hate and bigotry was just cold water, a sprinkle of detergent, and a quick rinse. Although changing minds is never that easy, this design by bvrdto reminds us that love has the power to erase the stain of hate from people’s hearts. As the artist puts it, we’re all “free to love whoever we want to love.”
2. “One Love Pride” by Ego Rodriguez
Like many of the designs in Ego Rodriguez’s PRIDE collection, “One Love Pride” is an uninhibited portrayal of love. For far too long, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have hidden their identity because of the ways it could impact their relationships, professional lives, and even safety. Rodriguez’s design envisions a world in which everyone can freely express their love without judgement.
3. “Trans Rights are Human Rights Crocogator” by Alan Defibaugh
Fingerless gloves. A confident stride. The courage to speak their mind. Clearly, this badass crocogator feels comfortable in its own crocodile skin, as everyone should. And the rad reptile doesn’t just talk the talk about trans rights. It raises money for the National Center for Transgender Equality. “People are out here just trying to live,” says artist Alan Defibaugh. We feel that.
4. “I Love Pride” by Aidadaism
No matter what anyone says, you’re majestic and rare. You’re a unicorn! Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, non-binary, or none of the above, no one on this planet is quite like you. Aidadaism’s vibrant, Pride–inspired tote bag shows a fellow unicorn in its natural habitat—on top of a cloud at the end of a rainbow.
5. “Call Me by My Pronouns” by 78 Hundred Clothing
This design by 78 Hundred Clothing calls for people to normalize transparency surrounding pronouns. It doesn’t take much effort to ask and correctly use a person’s pronouns, and it’s a simple way to show respect for their identity. Doing so fosters an inclusive environment and prevents people from feeling invalidated, dismissed, and/or alienated.
6. “The Patriarchy Can’t Pop My Bubble” by Meghan’s Memories
Meghan’s Memories created this design as a way of saying “it’s okay to be who you are.” That’s true every month of the year, not just during Pride Month. It takes courage to express one’s individuality while the status quo holds onto social norms that oppress the LGBTQIA+ community. Meghan’s design channels a rebellious spirit that aligns with the Pride movement and we’re here for it.
7. “I Love You” by Bears Wear Clothes
Love is what it’s all about. We all deserve the right to say “I Love You” to the people who capture our hearts, regardless of gender or sexuality. Those three words are hard enough to say on their own. No one needs the added obstacle of bigotry to prevent them from expressing their true feelings. Bears Wear Clothes makes it easier for us to spread the love during Pride Month with their “I Love You” tee.
8. “Proud” by Carlos Tato
The rainbow flag has been a symbol for the LGBTQIA+ community since the 1970s. The rainbow represents the community’s diversity, and the colors themselves each hold a different meaning. The LGBT version of the flag has six colors: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, and royal blue for harmony. These colors cover every inch of Carlos Tato’s “Proud” tee, letting you show your solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in a flashy way.
9. “I Like the Wine & Not the Label” by Ninth Street Design
This tote bag by Ninth Street Design teaches us a valuable lesson: what really matters is on the inside. We’re all filled with the same blood and guts, and varying amounts of merlot. When we acknowledge that we’re all human beings, it makes it easier to love one another—or at least treat each other with dignity and respect. Now, let’s toast to Pride Month!
10. “Stand” by Avid Ames
Literally stand for love and peace with a pair of Bucketfeet designed by Avid Ames. Slide into these sleek, understated slip-ons, and you’ll be supporting the American Civil Liberties Union and The Bail Project. These organizations serve the needs of vulnerable groups including, but not limited to, the LGBTQIA+ community.
Once you’re fully vaccinated, we hope you’re able to celebrate Pride Month safely with your friends and loved ones. Wave your rainbow flags. March in solidarity. Dance like no one’s watching! But don’t forget, there’s still a lot of work to be done to advocate for and protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. We encourage you to join us in our fundraising efforts by shopping Threadless Causes designs. Or, please support the organizations we partner with directly:
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- The Trevor Project
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
- It Gets Better Project
- Victory Fund
- Trans Lifeline
- American Civil Liberties Union
- The Bail Project
The design featured at the beginning of this post is “Love Wins” by retrorainbows. It benefits The Trevor Project and National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network.
