Disney Releases Its First-Ever Collection of LGBTQ Pride Merchandise
While we’re still hoping for more queer inclusion in Disney’s narratives and characters, one area they’re finally gaying up is their merchandise, releasing a full, brand new LGBTQ pride collection just in time for June. The Disney Pride Collection is also raising money for a really good cause, giving us more reason to celebrate its inclusion in Disney stores.
Starting this week, Disney’s LGBTQ fans and allies can purchase everything from rainbow tank tops to rainbow sunglasses. It appears to be the first year Disney has released a full collection of LGBTQ pride gear. Everything is available for purchase on their website, where fans can buy anything from Disney pride pins to fitted tank tops to rainbow Mickey collection travel packs.
From now until June 30, the company says they’ll donate 10% of their profits to GLSEN (formerly the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of LGBTQ students in schools.
“Just in time for pride season, Disney’s Rainbow Mickey Collection sends a powerful message of love and inclusion that will be seen around the world, from Pride marches to the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street,” says Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN. “Mickey Mouse has brought joy to millions of children, young and old, and this collection builds on that tradition, by ensuring LGBTQ youth can also see a world in which they can dream and believe.”
Over the past few months, Disney has been introducing rainbow Mickey Mouse hats to their parks. An in-park exclusive release, the ears are called “Mickey Mouse Rainbow Love” and are exclusively being sold at Disney World and Disneyland. The pride Mickey ears available at all four of the theme parks at Disney World, but the shops with the largest quantity are at Magic Kingdom.
