Stories of Pride
Support connection. Share hope.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is proud to partner with The Trevor Project to make sure every single LGBTQ young person can live their story of pride authentically.
We believe that stories of hope, support and connection are powerful in helping people in their journey to acceptance.
We love
The Trevor Project
Our longstanding partnership with The Trevor Project has contributed more than $650,000 in funds raised for their mission—enough to support about 7,300 LGBTQ youth in crisis via free, confidential 24/7 counseling.
Offering direct support & connection
Acknowledgment
45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth and 1 in 3 cisgender youth.
Respect
Having at least one accepting adult in an LGBTQ young person’s life reduces their risk of suicide by 40%.
Love
One of the most common phrases The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors share with youth in crisis is also one of the simplest—“You are lovable.”
Stories of Pride
To celebrate this month, we asked a few of our friends and collaborators to share their unique experiences as part of the LGBTQ community.
Virginia Felix (@keraclay),
ceramist & Keraclay founder
How has Pride impacted your life?
I tend to be a very private person, but Pride has conveyed a sense of belonging and dignity that I’ve been yearning for, allowing me to be daring and more curious as I navigate my work.
Tell us about a particular person or ways the LGBTQ community inspires you.
The LGBTQ community inspires me to live in a way that promotes oneness. As a queer POC, being marginalized hinders my ability to fully express myself. However, seeing others who live openly encourages me to continue practicing self-love, living freely and boldly. I feel hopeful that we are moving into a more accepting society, where we’re not considered an other but an integral part of humanity, proof that love continues to outweigh hate.
Christopher Griffin (@plantkween),
author & gardener
Share a story about a person who has influenced you.
There is a particular memory of my grandmother that I’ll cherish forever. I was about 5 years old, exploring her closet. There was a pair of white church heels that she always wore—I slid my tiny feet into them, put one of my fave church hats on and made my way downstairs, where my family grew quiet once they saw me. My grandmother looked at me and said, “Well, isn’t that just precious!” She let me keep the heels on until it was time for us to head home.
That day, in that moment, my grandmother validated my youthful desire to explore and blur gender norms, to be unapologetic, expressive and creative with how I wanted to show up in this world. Her light, her embrace, her love continues to inspire me every single day.
Taylor Fimbrez (@oddeyenyc),
owner of design shop Odd Eye
How do you celebrate Pride in your everyday life?
I dance a lot.
What words of encouragement would you give young LGBTQ people?
Be yourself! (Short and sweet! Just like 8-year-old me!)
West Elm + The Trevor Project
Hear More Stories of Pride