H&M has joined with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute to continue supporting LGBT projects. The store is putting together shopping events for LGBTQ+ students aged 14 to 24. They recently staged a shopping spree at H&M’s main branch on Fifth Avenue in New York City called “Fresh and Fabulous for Fall.” Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, an Emmy-nominated actress and singer, and Elle Moxley, the executive director and founder of Marsha P. Johnson, both attended the event.
In addition to the shopping spree, approximately 20 pupils received hair, cosmetics, styling, and a photo session. Participants also saw a preview for Moxley’s debut feature film, BLACK Beauty, before sitting down with Rodriguez for a fireside talk about Moxley’s experiences as a major activist and organiser in the Black and transgender communities. Aside from the New York City event, MPJI and H&M USA are collaborating with local LGBTQ+ organisations in the Los Angeles, Houston, and Columbus, Ohio metropolitan regions to provide shopping sprees and identity-affirming tools for LGBTQ+ students aged 14–24. H&M USA has donated to MPJI as part of the relationship to assist the organization’s aim of safeguarding and defending the human rights of Black transgender individuals. In a statement, Moxley stated, “Feeling fresh and magnificent allows everyone to feel their full strength and power.” “These activities give participants the opportunity to gain confidence and come into their own with a new look, style, and viewpoint to kick off the school year on the right foot. We appreciate H&M’s support and dedication to putting money and resources into the hands of those who need it most.” Rodriguez teamed up with H&M once again to demonstrate her support following her record Lead Actress Emmy nomination and the release of her first single “Something to Say.” “I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with H&M, whether it’s to support the right to vote or to join the LGBTQ+ community in a global Pride campaign. And now, with MPJI, it was a thrilling opportunity to support an initiative and organisation that I admire and know is doing essential work,” she added in a statement. Today and every day, H&M stands behind the LGBTQ+ community. In a statement, Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion and diversity at H&M, stated, “We’re thrilled to offer this gender identity affirming event that will help students feel confident, powerful, included, and full.”
