Converse‘s 10th Annual Pride Campaign is not just a celebration, but a true commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, marking a decade of support and empowerment. Since its inception in 2015, Converse’s Pride initiatives have evolved into a substantial force for good, with nearly $3 million donated to organizations that uplift LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive youth, fostering spaces where young individuals can flourish.
This year’s “Proud to Be” collection introduces an exciting lineup of footwear and apparel, including the innovative Run Star Utility Sandal CX. This collection has a Western-inspired aesthetic, playing in the pioneering spirit of the queer community. The vivid spectrum of colors and unique design elements such as embroidery and neon accents on the footwear celebrate individuality and the courage to live authentically. The design process was deeply influenced by Converse’s own LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, ensuring the collection resonates authenticity and pride.
Converse’s global reach in its advocacy efforts is shown through its partnerships with organizations like the It Gets Better Project, the Ali Forney Center, and BAGLY, among others. Each partnership addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in different regions, from providing safe spaces to empowering homeless LGBTQIA+ youth in New York City to fostering creative expression in LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.
Photographer Cully Wright was enlisted to capture the 2024 “Proud to Be” campaign. Known for his portrayals of queer experiences, Wright’s photography for Converse focuses on the tenderness and authenticity of love within the community. His work is a celebration of queer joy and a visual reminder of the power of living one’s truth. Take a closer look at the campaign images in the Gallery below:
