Nike releases 2015 gay Pride collection

In celebration of LGBT Pride month in the US, sportswear brand Nike has unveiled its redesigned 2015 #BETRUE collection of footwear, apparel and equipment.

The collection, which was first launched in 2012, “is inspired by the LGBT community” and celebrates “the passion and pursuit of sport by all athletes.”

The designs are predominantly black with highlighted rainbow colours, while some items feature the #BETRUE tagline

“Nike is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and unleashing the potential of all athletes,” commented Tim Hershey, Vice President of Global Merchandising for Nike and Executive Advisor to Nike’s LGBT Employee Network.

“We’re rallying the world to embrace #BETRUE as a call-to-action for all athletes to be their most authentic selves in June and all year long,” he said.

Proceeds from the #BETRUE collection will go towards the LGBT Sports Coalition and its initiatives to end discrimination in sport.

According to GLAAD, “Nike has always been a proud supporter of the LGBT community, and GLAAD commends the company for continuing to celebrate diversity.”

Meanwhile, Adidas has also released LGBT themed shoes this month; special rainbow coloured editions of three of its well-known designs, the Stan Smith, the Adilette Slide and the Superstar.

A portion of the sales of the Pride shoes will be donated to LGBT homeless youth organisation New Avenues for Youth, which is located in Portland, the company’s North American base.

Sadly, it appears that neither of these collections will make it to South African stores.