Levi's unveils Harvey Milk global pride collection

Levi Strauss & Co., arguably America's most iconic denim company, has teamed up with gay rights organization The Harvey Milk Foundation, to launch the global pride collection for 2016. The collection includes gender neutral products, an exclusive ringer t-shirt, a tank top with a Harvey Milk bottle graphic and pride timeline, a trucker jacket emblazoned with Harvey Milk's quote "Hope will never be silent," stonewashed shorts with a rainbow embroidered pocket, shorts and a jacket with the Levi's rainbow tab, and an evergreen pride t-shirt and hat featuring the Levi's rainbow batwing.

A portion of the proceeds from the collection will go towards the Harvey Milk Foundation, although the exact percentage of the proceeds was not disclosed.

In a statement, the company said "The Levi’s x Harvey Milk Foundation Pride 2016 collection is the physical representation of Levi’s belief in equality for all people while continuing the legacy of one outspoken, courageous and pioneering individual whose inspiring example will never be forgotten."

Levi's launches collection honoring gay rights activist Harvey Milk

In 1977, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay person elected to public office in the state of California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk ran unsuccessfully for political office three times before he finally won election in 1977. During his 11 months in office, he was responsible for a series of gay rights ordinances. Unfortunately, on November 27, 1978, Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Mascone, were assassinated by former city supervisor Dan White who wanted his job back.

Although he had a very short-lived career in politics, the former supervisor still remains one of the famous figures in the movement for LGBT rights, and in 2009 he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Stuart Milk, the founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation told WWD that "It is a simple message, marked by dignity and respect, that we embrace all without exception, and keep alive Uncle Harvey’s promise of equality for all people, everywhere."

Photo:levis.com