Homophobia thrives in silence.
National Coming Out Day, which takes place on October 11, recognizes the power in being open about who you are as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. As Richard Eichsberg, co-founder of National Coming Out Day, once said, “Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.”
This year, our LGBTQ+ colleagues out of Europe are recognizing Coming Out Day with a curated collection pulled from our mainline Red Tab assortment. Each piece reflects the taste and personality of members of Unlabeled, our European LGBTQ+ employee resource group.
“I am so happy to be part of this project,” said Patrick Jeffries of our Brussels office. “Even within the LGBTQ+ community we have barriers that need to be broken down. Think masculine versus feminine… What’s wrong with being both? I celebrate my feminine side and love playing with fashion and styling to create outfits I love and feel comfortable in.”
In Europe, National Coming Out Day is celebrated principally in Ireland, the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands – a reflection of just how much more progress needs to be made toward the inclusion and belonging of LGBTQ+ people across Europe. Unlabeled hopes that raising awareness for this day will give hope and inspiration to LGBTQ+ people across Europe to be themselves, and be more vocal and proud all year round.
“What a project to be part of. For most of my life I’ve felt like I’ve had to label myself or that I myself have been labeled,” said Michelle Pini from our U.K. offices. “What’s been so magical about this project isn’t just the products, but the opportunity to show who I am; a wife and a mummy among many other things.”
The collection serves as an example of leading with our values and doing so through innovation and agility. “I cannot begin to express my pride and admiration for the team on this project,” said Peter Lewin, senior director of Strategy and Marketplace Insights for Levi Strauss & Co. Europe and sponsor of Unlabeled. “The moment the challenge was identified, they picked it up with energy, determination and seamless collaboration – a level of engagement, ingenuity and performance that really blew me away.”
“Unlabeled’s latest collaboration stands for everyone’s right to express themselves freely within the world of fashion, and I am happy to be part of the project,” Sofie Andersson of our Sweden offices said.
Check out the unlabeled Collection online now.
