LOVE LETTERS TO LGTBQ+

Loveletter To LGBTQ+ | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | VANS

Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, 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’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, 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.  In our Vans family, there is no place for hatred or bigotry and it is our mission to welcome everyone into the creative community of skateboarding. 

Loveletters to Skateboarding is about the love communities around the world have for skateboarding; a common bond that is shared regardless of race, religion, and sexual orientation. This LGBTQ+ episode is a testament to that. In light of the current protests rocking our nation, this message of unity and equality must always be championed. The origins of the Pride Movement can be traced to formative voices from the black queer and trans community, who took pivotal action for their rights in the late ’60s. That’s why in honor of Pride Month, and in addition to using our collective voice to elevate these impactful stories, Vans is making a donation of $50,000 to the GSA Network, an organization working to unite trans and queer youth for racial and gender justice.

The LGBTQ+ Loveletters were the last episodes legendary skater Jeff Grosso hosted before he passed away in March 2020 -  and they were the ones he was most proud of in the 11 years of the show. 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 and timely message from our dear friend, who believed that skateboarding is for everyone and all are welcome.

Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding.



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