American Apparel is selling a line of
Gay Pride shirts and, in a company first, an openly transgender model
is being used to sell the shirts.
One shirt says “GAY O.K.” and
another “LEGALIZE GAY!” The Los Angeles-based clothing giant
with nearly 300 locations has previously sold similar gay-affirming
shirts. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from the shirts benefit gay
rights advocate the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD).
Isis King, an openly transgender former
contestant on the CW's America's Next Top Model, models the
shirts in ads that will appear online and in print across the nation.
In
a blog post, GLAAD announced that American
Appeal employees will join the group at various Gay Pride marches
across the country, including in Los Angeles, New York and San
Francisco.
“We're super proud to support LGBT
Pride again this year and partner with GLAAD in these events. It's
time for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity, to accept each other and thrive in harmony. We hope
everyone comes out and joins us,” said Marsha Brady, a creative
director at American Apparel.
GLAAD President Herndon Graddick added:
“American Apparel is showing bold leadership by being among just a
few companies to include transgender people in its national ads.
Additionally, the company's statement that 'Gay is OK' will reach
millions and send an important message in support of equality.”
(Related: Macy's
selling HRC Gay Pride t-shirts in select stores.)