LGBTQ+ and Non-Binary Skateboarding

     Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed in 2020, before the passing of legendary skater and host Jeff Grosso, who was a champion for inclusive skateboarding. We believe this message of unity and equality must be told, and that all voices of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be heard. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support of the LGBTQ+ Skate Community as we continue to drive positive change.  Love Letters to Skateboarding is about the love we all have for skateboarding, a commonality we all share regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation. We are all one people with a love for skating. This LGBTQ+ episode is testament to that. On March 31st, 2020 our beloved legendary Vans family member and larger than life defender of skateboarding, Jeff Grosso, passed away. Jeff said this LGBTQ series of Love Letters and Love Notes were the episodes he was most proud of in the 11 years of the show. These were the last episodes he filmed. In the episodes Jeff admits, “I was taught at a young age to speak this way… I have been part of the problem…but I am trying to change…the last thing I want to do is make someone feel uncomfortable or make them not feel safe ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SKATEBOARDING.” It is a fitting send off to our dear friend who believed that skateboarding is for everyone and all are welcome. Jeff was so stoked on this one— he cried a record 3 times while shooting it!  Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding

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 Skateboarding legend and long-time Ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Barker Barrett, sits down with Cher Strauberry for an informative chat about how to be a supportive Ally, while also laying down some heavy curb skating.  Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding.

-Filmed & Directed by Six Stair Productions 

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Van's Website::https://www.vans.com/

 Leo Baker is a pro skater who saw a hole in the industry for queer skaters. Along with their business partner they created Glue Skateboards and now they're looking to take their brand to the next level. In this episode of Cash Confessions, Tiffany Aliche (aka The Budgetnista) is here to get all up in Leo's financial business and help them achieve their financial goals. 

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 After Yann Horowitz kissed his boyfriend in celebration of winning the Vans Park Series African Continental Championships in 2018, Yann’s fearless yet fabulous style became the talk of skateboarding. Yann realized his skating and sexual identity were becoming intertwined, and he had to ask himself, “Do I really want to be the ‘gay skateboarder’?” In the past five years, questions of sexuality and identity in our culture have come into the spotlight, and individuals like Yann have faced the complicated balancing act of being both an inspiration, and still holding on to who they are. In this short Coming Out Day documentary Skateism and Vans followed Yann back to his roots in South Africa, to find out more about where he came from and where he’s headed.  

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Facebook: #Vans

Instagram: @Vans 

YouTube: http://bit.ly/1aIFFTY 

Van's Website::https://www.vans.com/