In our fifth year partnering with the American Eagle and Aerie brands, the global specialty retailer has raised more than $1.18 million for the organization through its 2021 Pride partnership. Since first partnering together in 2017, AEO has generated more than $3 million for the It Gets Better Project, making them the largest donor in the organization’s history.
As part of the 2021 campaign, AEO donated $50,000 and provided additional support through its American Eagle and Aerie Real Rewards loyalty program and in-store pin pad promotion. Customers were also able to shop exclusive Pride Collections at American Eagle and Aerie. Funds raised from the 2021 Pride partnership will be used by It Gets Better Project to launch two major projects during Fall 2021. The first initiative will be housed under It Gets Better EDU, an education program launched and powered by AEO as part of a 2019 Pride partnership with the It Gets Better Project. The second initiative will connect the It Gets Better Project with young queer leaders in dozens of local communities across the United States to honor the LGBTQ+ experience. Further information on the projects will become available in the coming months at www.itgetsbetter.org.
The It Gets Better Project team also worked with the global retailer to create a “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” inspired, content-driven series celebrating diversity and body positivity. The video series included the American Eagle Pride Collection, featuring ways to style the Pride collection beyond the gender binary and was hosted across the brand’s Instagram and TikTok channels. Additionally, a video documenting the organizations’ more than five years of work together was aired as part of the second annual It Gets Better: A Digital Pride Experience.
“American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is a shining example of how corporations can uplift the LGBTQ+ community in consistently meaningful ways,” said Brian Wenke, Executive Director of the It Gets Better Project. “We have learned and evolved together over the last five years, and the impact of our collaborative partnership continues to bring incredible value to the entire spectrum of It Gets Better programming – here in the United States and around the world.”
“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the It Gets Better Project to further empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world,” said Jennifer Foyle, President – Executive Creative Director, AE & Aerie. “Our ongoing support of the organization for the last five years represents a shared mission between our company and our AE and Aerie customers to uplift and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while working to build a more inclusive world.”
Since their initial partnership in 2017, AEO has shared the It Gets Better Project’s passion for inspiring change to make life better for LGBTQ+ youth. Over the years, AEO and the AE and Aerie brands’ Pride activations have included limited edition apparel items, participation in Pride Marches throughout the United States and Mexico, and opportunities for their global base of customers and associates to celebrate Pride. Through their continuous support for the organization, AEO became the It Gets Better Project’s first Legacy Partner during their 2019 Pride campaign, signifying lifetime contributions of $1 million or more.
Learn more about our work with American Eagle below.