Striving to contribute to a world where everyone feels safe to openly discuss the importance of mental health, Southern California-based global lifestyle brand UGG® (a division of Deckers Brands [NYSE: DECK]) unveils its ‘FEEL HEARD’ campaign just head of Pride month.
As an extension of this mission, and in celebration of the many expressions of Pride, UGG® is supporting Switchboard as it seeks to create a welcoming, loving world for the LGBTQIA+ community through a telephone lifeline, chat, email support service so everyone not only feels heard but actually is. Celebrating the launch with a $50,000 donation to Switchboard and the introduction of new Pride-inspired product styles, the ‘FEEL HEARD’ campaign stars advocate, writer, performer and public speaker ALOK (they/them), model Chloé Véro (she/her), yoga teacher and artist Isa’ah (he/him), science teacher and model Sarina Moralez (they/them), and vintage collectors and couple Robert Parker and Orren Jordan (both he/him).
“We are honoured to partner with Switchboard and support their crucial mental services for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Lindsey Dicola Dashoff, Senior Director, Global Brand Communications & PR. “Through our ‘FEEL HEARD’ campaign and partnerships with activists like ALOK, we strive to destigmatize mental health and establish a world where everyone should never feel the need to apologize for who they are or who they love.”
UGG® is proud to collaborate with Switchboard to bring their life-affirming services to the UGG® community of customers, fans, and followers. The charity’s team of trained, LGBTQIA+ volunteers run a confidential, one-stop listening service for anyone struggling with their sexuality, gender identity, and overall wellbeing – including anyone who may be concerned for a friend or family member experiencing these challenges. The team is on-hand from 10 am-10 pm (BST), 365 days a year via phone, email and instant message. With hate crime rising and the LGBTQ+ community facing increased challenges, it’s never been more important to support those who don’t feel accepted for who they are. Now more than ever, it is vital to inspire resilience and dismantle the stigma some may feel when seeking mental health services.
Aligned with the brand’s global mission to normalize open discussions around mental health, UGG® will also donate $125,000 to the North American charity, The Trevor Project. The brand’s donation will support The Trevor Project in reaching more youth and further advancing its mission to end suicide among LGBTQIA+ young people.
Extending the tactile and comforting feeling of UGG® to spring-ready sandals with lightweight puff and fluff uppers, the updated all-gender Pride Collection by UGG® consists of statement silhouettes featuring the brand’s signature sheepskin insole and Pride-inspired detailing. With complementing apparel pieces, the collection offers a full Pride look from head to toe.
The UGG® Pride Collection is available now and year-round for purchase at UGG.com, UGG® stores and select wholesale retailers globally.
