Nike has released its latest collection to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, called the BETRUE collection 2017, which "supports inclusion on and off the field of play."
The products — officially available on June 1 — include four different sneaker styles, two t-shirts, and socks. All of the activewear designs incorporate the rainbow, which is one of the official symbols of LGBTQ+ movement.
Nike employees started the BETRUE collection in 2012 as a way to empower both LGBTQ+ athletes and allies.
Robert Goman, LGBTQ Network Leader at Nike, shared in a statement,
The key for us 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 BETRUE product in some way.
The standout design from the 2017 is the blue sneaker with a rainbow light-up sole.
The foot includes the original eight colors of the 1978 Pride flag, which was first designed by the artist, Gilbert Baker, according to Time.
The rest of the 2017 BETRUE sneakers are just as colorful and cool.
There is also an "Equality" t-shirt.
Equality T-shirt, $30, Nike
Even though this t-shirt is created for athletic activity, this is definitely the shirt I expect to see worn at all of the Pride Month activities.
People are already sharing their excitement for the new collection.
And Nike isn't the only brand supporting LGBTQ+ pride.
Adidas released its own Pride Pack sneaker collection.
Other brands like Target, Toms, and even the Nike-owned Converse have also released pride collections.
This increase in products further normalizes inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
The LGBTQ+ community is valuable with or without these brands getting in on the movement.
Still, these household names incorporating pride products into their offerings is a step toward the right direction when it comes to making representation a casual, normal way of life.
