Converse introduces trans-themed shoes for Pride and Twitter is happy for once
Brands sometimes go too hard during Pride season. Every once in a while, however, they get it right.
The year 2019 has already brought us one *actually good* example. Converse recently introduced its LGBTQ Pride sneaker line, which now includes sneakers modeled after the Transgender Pride flag.
This is the first time Converse has ever had a trans-specific sneaker.
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The trans-specific sneakers currently retail for $80. Customers can also customize their own rainbow Pride shoes and add Trans Pride flair.
Regardless of how you feel about corporate participation during gay Pride, this is a huge symbolic step forward. Advocates for the trans community have long complained that gay and lesbian people dominate the LGBTQ movement.
Recognizing the trans community as a separate — though equally sneaker-worthy community — is emblematic of a larger cultural shift.
Trans people are clearly moving into the public spotlight, and they can show that (if Converse is their thing) on their feet.
Twitter was largely enthusiastic about the move.
#TransIsBeautiful
Thank you @Converse for making a #trans PRIDE shoe this year!
My 11 year-old-son is ECSTATIC! 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/E6lcqIEvfA— Rachel Q. Lyons (@RachelQLyons) April 15, 2019
CONVERSE HAS A NEW PRIDE COLLECTION THAT INCLUDES TRANS PRIDE SNEAKERS FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!!
SHOP HERE: https://t.co/afn0Gc9nwy (affiliate link) pic.twitter.com/TptVcjY87E— Alysse Dalessandro🌈 (@readytostare) April 19, 2019
I thought “which of my trans friends would rock Converse decked out in the colors of the trans flag,” and then immediately realized the answer was “all of them.” pic.twitter.com/E5NPDfPgMY
— Aram Vartian (@vartian) April 19, 2019
Me, looking at the chuck taylor pride collection for this year: *not super impressed*
Converse: we have trans shoes now
Me, out loud: DAMMIT pic.twitter.com/oqzpDUqaOD— Rowan Adventurezone (@politebotanist) April 20, 2019
Y’all let me know when @converse lets me put trans flags on these (and they come in my size). pic.twitter.com/3ZOq9Y6rss
— Xan (@AlexandriaDVine) April 20, 2019
Look! You can make them with the pride base but then add trans pride touches. I'm in love! pic.twitter.com/bGtajM2QjF
— We’ll Have A Gay Old Time (@IssaMeBrianO) April 19, 2019
This Twitter user perhaps said it best.
Fuckin converse put the Trans flag on some shoes like.....yes fine I will buy them you stupid brand, ill bow to capitalism just this once
— 🌻 Thank you gay dad (@Darius_lives) April 19, 2019
Happy incredibly early Pride, everyone!
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