Levi's Launches First Global Pride Collection in Partnership with the Harvey Milk Foundation

When you think of "gay clothes" Levi's may not the first brand that you think about. However, the international clothing powerhouse is about to change all that this summer.

Everyone has that one pair of jeans that make your butt look amazing, and a tight pair of 501's just might do the trick. From jean shorts, t-shirts, a collector's jacket, and collectable patches, Levis is putting their money where their mouth is and coming out for equality in a big way.

The company that literally invented blue jeans is launching their first ever Pride collection - called The Levi's x Harvey Milk Foundation collection - and they are partnering up with the Harvey Milk Foundation to help give back to the community that Milk represented and ensure his legacy lives on. Levi's is a long-standing ally to the LGBTQ community, and they will commemorate the election and legacy of Milk, a gay rights hero who was assassinated in San Francisco City Hall along with Mayor George Moscone in 1978.

Harvey Milk's election was a crucial moment in the fight for equality as he was one of the first LGBTQ persons elected to office - and certainly the most visible - at the time. Though Harvey Milk only served less than a year in office before his tragic assassination, his legacy is still alive in the city of San Francisco and across the world. His courage, passion and sense of justice rocked a country and supported many communities of minorities, bringing forward a new hope and vision of freedom.

The Pride collection features a range of gender-neutral products and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Harvey Milk Foundation which was founded to empower local, regional, national and global organizations so that they may fully realize the power of Harvey Milk's story, style, and collaborative relationship building.

"As a brand that values authentic self-expression, there is no individual we want to honor more than Harvey Milk. Harvey was a true leader, whose passion was palpable and has expanded the decades since his untimely assassination. He brought not only the LGBTQ community forward, but he fought for the visibility of all minorities. We at Levi's are honored to have the opportunity to express his legend through not only our product, but our voice as a global brand leader and advocate for equal human rights" said Grant Barth, Chief Merchandising Officer for Levi's.

Stuart Milk, Harvey's nephew and Founder and President of the Harvey Milk Foundation had high praise for Levi's. He said: "We are inspired by Levi's global commitment to progress and to meeting the challenges of the 21st century through the celebration of human diversity from the Levi's board room to Levi's branded apparel. Uncle Harvey was proud to wear his Levi's for their unmatched fit and finish, and today he would be even prouder to see his name partnered with a true champion of corporate leadership and inclusion. Companies like Levi's understand that non-discrimination is an essential value that is good for business, not just at home, but all across the globe. Having spent years providing on-the-ground support at Pride events across the world, I say, with certainty, that this incredible clothing line created by Levi's will inspire all and provide hope to those still yearning to be recognized in a globalized world. It is a simple message, marked by dignity and respect, that we embrace all without exception, and keep alive Uncle Harvey's promise of equality for all people, everywhere."

The Pride Collection includes: