Burberry launches collection to support LGBTQ+ charities

Posting on their Instagram, Burberry announced their TheRainbowCheck collection and their donation to three LGBT charities, The Albert Kennedy Trust, The Trevor Project and International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), PinkNews reports.

In a statement introducing the collection, the brand called the rainbow “an emblem for optimism and inclusiveness” and said that they were committed to supporting the LGBT community.

Burberry president and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey said: “The LGBTQ+ rainbow, an emblem for optimism and inclusiveness, will feature prominently across the brand’s February 2018 collection, rooted in the introduction of a new Rainbow check, the latest iteration of Burberry’s most iconic symbol.

“To solidify its support of LGBTQ+ communities, Burberry also announces today that it has made donations to three charities – the Albert Kennedy Trust, the Trevor Project and ILGA – all dedicated to broadening the awareness, mentoring and resources available around the world.”

The February 2018 collection will be the last collection for outgoing president Christopher Bailey and will be released at his final show on February 17.

Bailey was appointed CEO of Burberry in 2013 and is openly gay.

Introducing his final Burberry pieces in a press release, Bailey dedicated the collection to the many charities that work with LGBT youth.

Bailey said: “My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to and in support of – some of the best and brightest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world. There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength, and our creativity.”

Tim Sigsworth of the Albert Kennedy Trust greeted the donation, highlighting the need for specific homelessness services for LGBT people.

He said: “We are overjoyed with this generous donation and support from Burberry, which will make an incredible difference to preventing LGBT+ youth homelessness in the UK.

“Twenty-four percent of the 150,000 young people facing homelessness in the UK identify as LGBT+ after experiencing abuse and rejection just for being brave enough to come out to their families.”

Mr Sigsworth continued: “Burberry’s donation will support our ongoing work to provide safe homes and support to young people, grow our youth engagement programme and fund our plans to bring AKT to more cities to reach the most vulnerable people across the country.”

According to Burberry, this collection and donation will mark the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity.

London Fashion Week runs from February 16 to February 20.