How MeUndies is Revealing the True Meaning of Pride

'Tis the season for rainbow flags and Pride swag. But what emanates from within is where true Pride begins. For many, a year of reflection has empowered us to take stock of what's important – the relationships we value and our relationship with ourselves. One company's pledge to empower self-expression gets an extra boost this June and beyond as MeUndies launches several initiatives to celebrate and embolden the LGBTQ community.

The Los Angeles-based company ethically sources super-soft, super-stretchy, and super-breathable fabrics for a range of undies, bralettes, accessories, and more. A browse through its website reveals body positivity and diversity, so it's no surprise that the brand chose the LA LGBT Center as one of its annual partners.

"At MeUndies, we believe that when you feel comfortable being your most authentic self, you show your truest colors," says MeUndies Founder and CEO Jonathan Shokrian. "That's why we're celebrating Pride by partnering with the LA LGBT Center to connect our community with others and give back to the LGBTQIA+ homeless youth."

Since 1969, the LA LGBT Center has been an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world. Through health and social services, housing, culture, education, and advocacy, the Center's 800 employees implement programming initiatives that impact all aspects of the queer community.

"The Center offers a home and hope to those in despair," says U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. "We must expand programs like the Center's that offer individual care and support for our most vulnerable youth and seniors."

A Critical Time for LGBTQ Youth
Despite many advancements in LGBTQ acceptance, many youths still find themselves rejected by their families, without financial or emotional resources to cope with what lies ahead. According to the Center, on any given day, there is 6,000 youth (ages 24 and younger) living on the streets of Los Angeles – 40% of them identify as LGBTQ.

Collectively, the Center's Youth Center and Ariadne Getty Foundation Youth Academy provide meals and clothing, mentoring, a charter high school, job training, and placement, along with other services to help break the debilitating cycle facing LGBTQ youth.

To further the LA LGBT Center's efforts around homeless youth, the company has committed $75,000 to provide educational support for 150 youth, 22,500 hot meals for homeless youth, 1,500 full days of services (which includes meals, shower, laundry, and employment training), and 600 bed nights in the Center's Transitional Living Program. The donation will also provide tents, sleeping bags, hygiene products, and other essentials for more than 1,000 homeless youth.

"I should be dead by now. I began trading sex for money just to help make some of my ends meet when I was 14," reflects Fabian, a former client at the Center. "Now, six years after leaving the Center's Transitional Living Program, I am enjoying the life I was meant to have. I'm so grateful to the Center for saving my life ... and for giving me a life."

MeUndies will also be making a product donation to the Trans Wellness Center Closet and Youth Services Closet, along with volunteering and donating to the Pride Pantry.

More Than 100 Ways to Show Your Pride

MeUndies is offering the LGBTQ community and our allies more than 100 styles to celebrate Pride with a capsule collection featuring three patterns: the Inclusive Pride Flag Stripe, the Trans Flag Stripe, and the Bi Flag Stripe. Each design is available in 35 different cuts and styles, from a sexy pouch front thong or modal fabric boxer brief to a FeelFree lace tanga or six different bralette styles, and more.

Pride shines brightest when what we feel on the inside matches how we engage in the world. While there's no magic Pride potion, each action builds on itself to create a movement, from which an inclusive, accepting society isn't just a dream but a lived reality.

Could a pair of rainbow-striped MeUndies make a difference? Collectively, sure. But it's the philosophy and commitment behind the brand that's the real game-changer.

Click here to explore the MeUndies Pride collection.