The world recently celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.

Popular culture brand Converse has released its annual pride collection and this year they are celebrating those that are proud to be themselves – living life and expressing themselves on their own terms.  

According to Converse in the spirit of celebrating the many individuals comprising the queer community, each silhouette in Converse 2023 Pride collection

features a distinct aesthetic execution, designed to complement any style, however, 

someone chooses to express themselves.  

“This year’s pride collection is truly synonymous with the beliefs and values the queer community embodies. 

“We are pleased with the product, as it celebrates those who are Proud to Be living life and expressing themselves on their own terms. 

“We hope that these sneakers complement your style, however, you choose to celebrate it and by showing your pride, you can also inspire others to do the same,” said Converse Marketing Manager, Tebogo Motlhamme. 

Converse has an ongoing commitment to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community by supporting the global It Gets Better Project since 2017 and uses the power of the internet to continue showing the younger LGBTQIA+ people that it does truly get better.

In South Africa, this Proud to Be collection serves as a build-up to the much-anticipated activities set to take place in Cape Town and greater Johannesburg this Pride Month as Converse celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with the local All-Stars. 

Included in the inline collection are the Run Star Legacy CX, Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel, Chuck 70 Plus, Chuck 70, Chuck Taylor All-Star Lift, and Chuck Taylor All-Star, as well as an assortment of apparel. Each silhouette is adorned with its own embellishments, such as Pride laces weaving through the Run Star Legacy CX, rainbow outsoles anchoring the Chuck 70 Plus, or the chunky glitter upper on the recently introduced Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel.