Anti-LGBTQ+ policies have increased cancellations of Pride festivals due to funding cuts tied to DEI backlash and corporate retreat from fear of retaliation. Converse launched a Pride collection with expanded rainbow-themed merch that supports multiple LGBTQ non-profits. Levi’s is preparing a 2026 Pride collection that moves away from rainbows and instead draws inspiration from early gay motorcycle clubs. These clubs formed safe spaces for queer people to gather, build camaraderie, and create community, with groups dating back to the 1950s and expanding in popularity by the 1970s. Levi’s frames the collection as honoring trailblazers who carved out belonging and emphasizes Pride as visibility and survival.
"The right wing's anti-LGBTQ+ dystopian plan has led to a rise in the cancellation of Pride festivals due to lack of funding over DEI backlash and the abandonment by corporations who fear White House retaliation despite previously splashing rainbows all over logos and apparel during the month of June."
"On Wednesday, we told you how Converse debuted their new Pride collection, which upped the rainbow eleganza to 100 with merch that supports several LGBTQ non-profits."
"The iconic denim brand's 2026 Pride collection is ditching the rainbows and instead celebrating the grittier side of queer resilience by taking inspiration from the gay motorcycle clubs of the early LGBTQ+ rights movement. Bull dykes and leather daddies, rise!"
"Entitled "Together We Ride", the Levi's collection "pays homage to the trailblazers who carved out spaces of belonging on the open road, reminding us that Pride is not only a celebration, but an act of visibility and survival," the company said in a statemen"
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