Nike continues equality drive with latest 'BeTrue' collection for LGBT causes
Nike has confirmed the return of its campaign for LGBTQ causes after announcing a new 'Be True' collection would launch on 1 June.
The 'BeTrue' campaign has raised over $2.5m for LGBT causes in the US since its launch six years ago
The initiative started six years ago as a an employee-led grassroots program inspired by the benefits diversity can bring to communities and workplaces. It has since grown into an annual campaign centred around new rainbow themed collections which have helped raised around $2.5m in the US for LGBT causes.
This year's line will include both footwear and apparel and will feature the rainbow as well as "other prominent symbols of Pride, including the colour pink and the triangle."
Nike's LGBT network leader, Rober Gorman, said the brand's focus was to "create something that people could unite around to show their support for LGBTQ athletes."
"Sporting your rainbow in the gym or on a run became a way to feel like you belonged to something larger – you were connected to being 'out' or being an ally. The rainbow has and always will be incorporated into the Be True product in some way."
From 1 June Nike will recreate some of its most popular shoes with an LGBT twist. This will include be the Nike classic Cortez, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34, Nike Lab Air VaporMax and Nike Flyknit Racer. The collection will also include offering Dri-FIT tanks, t-shirts and running socks for both men and women.
The Be True campaign builds on Nike's equality drive, which saw LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Michael B. Jordan and Alicia Keys come together to feature in the 'Equality' short film released in February. Following on from this the brand announced it was developing a sports hijab for female athletes.