Pride Month meets eyewear
On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Uprising kicked off in Manhattan, New York, and lasted for six days. These historic events marked the start of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) activism. June is now celebrated as LGBTQ+ Pride Month to commemorate and continue the work of this historic movement.
A variety of events, fundraisers and awareness campaigns take place year-round in the LGBTQ+ community. But during Pride Month, the celebrations go even further. Many brands and corporations show their support through special events, dedicated product collections and proceeds donated to LGBTQ+ causes.
Many members of the LGBTQ+ community use flags as a symbol of pride. Different patterns represent different forms of gender expression and sexual orientation. The traditional LGBTQ+ Pride flag is made up of horizontal stripes in a rainbow pattern. Because it’s so recognizable, it’s also commonly used to signify allyship with the community.
Several eyewear brands take part in Pride Month, too. Read on to learn how you can show your support for Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community with your glasses.
The impact of supporting LGBTQ+ causes
There are dozens of ways to support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. Some well-known nonprofit organizations include:
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 to help prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. The nonprofit provides advocacy, support and education to those in the community. Free counseling is available 24/7 for young people in crisis. All communications are secure and confidential.
Both Eyebuydirect and Knockaround support the Trevor Project.
Matthew Shepard Foundation
In 1998, Matthew Shepard became victim of one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. He was kidnapped and beaten to death because of his sexual orientation. The Matthew Shepard Foundation aims to educate the public about Matthew’s story. It also encourages the values of dignity, equality and having your voice heard.
America’s Best supports the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN is a network of students and educators trying to provide safe and inclusive education for LGBTQ+ youth. They work hard to create bully-free and harassment-free environments in K-12 schools.
Pair Eyewear supports GLSEN and its LGBTQ+ youth education initiatives.
Why support matters
Supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives is important because it promotes diversity, community, love and inclusion. If you aren’t part of the LGBTQ+ community, becoming an ally also helps advance the civil rights movement. Education, resources and representation are some of the greatest ways to move toward equality in society.
How eyewear brands make a difference
Eyewear brands are among many companies that support LGBTQ+ initiatives. To show their support, these brands may:
- Distribute press releases and hold public awareness campaigns celebrating Pride Month.
- Offer business resource groups to foster a greater sense of community.
- Donate funds to LGBTQ+ organizations.
- Launch a special Pride product collection, with proceeds going to a related nonprofit.
- Match employee donations to qualifying organizations.
- Sponsor or collaborate with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
In addition to these popular measures, there are countless other ways for businesses to commemorate Pride Month.
Top eyewear brands supporting Pride Month
Several eyewear brands support Pride Month by making donations and releasing special collections. Here are a few brands that are making a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ community:
Pair Eyewear
One of Pair Eyewear’s core values is leading with empathy. This aligns closely with GLSEN’s mission of achieving LGBTQ+ youth inclusivity. The two organizations have partnered again this year to release the Pair Eyewear Love Wins Collection. It will feature 23 returning top frame styles and 22 colorful new options.
Continuing with tradition, Pair Eyewear will donate a portion of proceeds from all Love Wins top frames to GLSEN. Pair has donated more than $200,000 to GLSEN in support of its youth education initiatives since 2022.
Eyebuydirect
Eyebuydirect has partnered with the Trevor Project to create another Pride glasses collection. The frames within are bold, colorful and unique, offering many avenues for self-expression. Through June, 100% of sales made from the Eyebuydirect Pride for All Collection will be donated to the Trevor Project (up to $25,000).
Eyebuydirect has donated more than $230,000 to the Trevor Project since their first collaboration in 2020.
America’s Best
This Pride Month, look for two colorful new frames to debut in the America’s Best Pride Collection. The styles were named by LGBTQ+ employees at America’s Best. By purchasing and wearing the frames, you can show your support for Pride Month, dignity and equality.
America’s Best has already donated $25,000 to support the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Knockaround
Knockaround helps LGBTQ+ youth through its work with the Trevor Project. You can also make a difference by shopping from the Knockaround Pride Collection. Through the end of the year, proceeds from the Pride Collection will be donated to the Trevor Project (up to $50,000).
Knockaround has already contributed $160,000 to the Trevor Project’s mental health initiatives for LGBTQ+ youth.
How to choose the right eyewear for Pride Month
The best pair of Pride glasses for you should:
- Meet your vision and lifestyle needs
- Fit comfortably
- Reflect your personality
- Give back to the community
Opt for style and functionality
Whether you love bold colors or prefer more muted tones, there are plenty of Pride glasses styles to choose from. Look for:
- Frames that flatter your face shape
- A frame style or pattern that represents the community you identify with
- Lens coatings, tints and other features to suit your visual needs
- Glasses from a company that supports your favorite LGBTQ+ nonprofit
Support brands with a purpose
You have many options when it comes to buying eyewear. During Pride Month, consider choosing a brand that gives back to the LGBTQ+ community. You can feel good about your glasses and the statement they make — for both fashion and equality.
