Despite the scale and diversification of Pride over the years, we can’t forget the movement itself began as a protest. The historic Stonewall uprisings in 1969 played a key role in catalyzing the LGBTQIA+ community forward toward progress—and a number of the heroes who sparked this movement were transgender people of color, namely Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
Over at NIKE, in celebration of Pride Month, they’re honoring the strength, creativity and Black roots of Pride, inspirationally demonstrated in a new film, “BeTrue: This is Our Time”, which features six Nike LGBTQIA+ athletes, advocates, and role models: Schuyler Bailar, Erica Bougard, Tierna Davidson, Adrianna “A.D.” Franch, Napoleon Jinnies and Quintin Peron.
In addition to the campaign, and an extensive number of other programs for Pride, Nike is awarding $500,000 in grants via the Charities Aid Foundation of America to 20 organizations that are advocating for—and advancing—the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more here.
In the meantime, check out the film of this incredible talent and scroll down to read a worldview from each of its cast, statements we hope reverberate into this amassing new era beyond our imagination.
“What I fight for is that my existence will no longer be political at some point. My being a trans athlete will no longer be a political statement. Being a trans athlete to me is about my passion for sport, and it’s about not letting anything hold me back — not other people, not injuries, not rules and definitely not my identity.” —Schuyler Bailar
Napoleon Jinnies, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
“Just having people in your corner fighting—I think that’s what team means to me. It’s definitely like a second home and if you don’t have your teammates back you’re not all in .” —Napoleon Jinnies
Tierna Davidson, The Youngest 2019 Women’s World Cup Champion
“It is of the utmost importance to use our platform, to push key ideas, opinions, and issues across to the population that we have the ability to reach.” —Tierna Davidson
Erica Bougard, two time national heptathlon champion.
“I’m going to be myself no matter what and let people know. I let the track community know that this is me, this is who I am. This is who I've always been.” —Erica Bougard
Quintin Peron, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
“[I keep] going back to advice for the younger [generation]. Don’t try to make other people comfortable. You’re not put on this earth to abide by somebody else’s rules.” —Quintin Peron
Adrianna “A.D.” Franch, NWSL and Women’s World Cup Champion Goalkeeper
“Teams should always allow individuals to shine in their strengths and be supported.” —Adrianna “A.D.” Franch
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