Fashion Forward: Retail and Apparel Industries Come Out for LGBT Rights


Levi Strauss & Co.
June 26, 2015

In light of today’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision, we’re taking a quick look back at some of our industry’s memorable moments in the journey towards marriage equality.

Corporate support for the issue reached new heights in 2013 when brands began riffing on HRC’s red equals sign on their social media channels. This simple symbol of equality had massive reach, but was notable for another reason. For many brands, it marked the first time they had publicly voiced their support for the LGBT community.

Before this time, there was a shorter roster of companies that had historically raised their voices to support LGBT rights. The retail and apparel industries in particular represent a bright spot in the overall landscape of support.

In the timeline below, you can see a few shining examples — big names in fashion speaking out, companies making pioneering decisions regarding employee benefits, and advertisements featuring same-sex relationships for the mainstream. Each in unique ways, these milestones have influenced culture, shifted views and helped moved our country toward today’s historic victory. #LoveWins!

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SOURCES/COVERAGE

  1. 1992 LS&Co., SFGATE
  2. 1998 Nordstrom, Business Insider
  3. 2007 LS&Co., Unzipped
  4. 2007 Ray-Ban, Huffington Post
  5. 2008 Macy’s, The Advocate
  6. 2008 LS&Co., Advertising Age
  7. 2009 LS&Co., New York Times
  8. 2009 Gucci, The Advocate
  9. 2011 Marc Jacobs, The Advocate
  10. 2012 JCPenney, Reuters
  11. 2012 Nordstrom, Business Insider
  12. 2012 Target, Los Angeles Times
  13. 2012 Amazon, CNN
  14. 2012 Nike, REI, Nordstrom, Los Angeles Times
  15. 2013 LS&Co., Unzipped
  16. 2014 LS&Co., Unzipped
  17. 2015 Gap Inc., LS&Co., Unzipped