#PrideIs Supporting and Empowering LGBTQ Youth

HMI’s CAMPAIGN FOR PRIDE

#PrideIs building a better tomorrow starting today

June 13, 2017, New York, NY – Pride is more than a noun. Pride is more than a month. Pride is a state of mind. Pride is a verb you enact with intention. Pride is how we stand up for ourselves. Pride is empowering the future. Pride is supporting LGBTQ youth. This June, Hetrick-Martin Institute, the recognized leader in direct services and advocacy for LGBTQ youth, is encouraging individuals to pause and celebrate; how do you Pride or what does Pride mean to you?

“As our community faces a new wave of challenges to the progress we have made, we are all painfully aware that rights are not to be taken for granted and Pride Is something we must continue to stand up for. This work cannot happen by any one group of individuals – it only happens when we work together as a community. “Pride Is” is an emphatic statement about what we demand of our nation and each other, and a way for our community of allies to stand beside us and show their support,” states HMI CEO, Thomas Krever.

With each new generation, pride has become increasingly valued as young people learn to accept themselves for who they are, no matter what anyone else says. Public attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have shifted from violence to embracement, whilst LGBTQ+ people themselves have learned not to be ashamed but instead to celebrate their identity. This has had a positive impact on sexuality itself, with many more young people open to exploring new things.

Generously donated by American Eagle, a video billboard at 46^th and Broadway in New York City’s Times Square, created in partnership with AOL’s digital design experts, expresses declarations of Pride from HMI youth and celebrity allies including actors Zachary Quinto and Daniel Newman, songstress Betty Who and Hollywood legend Whoopi Goldberg. Echoed and shared throughout HMI’s social media platforms, statements like “Pride Is Education” or “Pride is Living Authentically” remind all of us, on behalf of LGBTQ youth, the importance of “Pride” and making a personal commitment to living proudly every day. The artwork being used throughout the campaign was generously donated by renowned graphic artist Baron Von Fancy.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in his or her own skin and HMI’s mission to make this a reality for so many is something truly amazing and something I’m beyond proud to be a part of,” says Baron Von Fancy.

Additional HMI allies share:

“HMI is an incredible organization that makes a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of at-risk LGBTQ youth. Every young person that comes through the door is met with dignity, empowerment, and possibility in a world that too often doesn’t afford them such essential human rights. I am honored to support the meaningful work they do!” – Zachary Quinto

“I’m so honored to be a part of the HMI family. HMI saves lives and gives safety, hope, and opportunity to thousands of LGBTQ though their constant hard work, dedicated support and outreach. If I weren’t filming my character on the Walking Dead, I’d be in their office daily working. I urge everyone to volunteer, donate and get involved with HMI, myself, Whoopi Goldberg, and the long list of donors and Hollywood Celebs who have joined HMI to make a difference in the lives of thousands of LGBTQ that need all our help daily. You can make tomorrow better for everyone if you get involved now. Contact hmi.org.” – Daniel Newman

“No young person should have to worry about finding a safe space to not only be themselves, but to sleep at night. HMI provides that support when so many others turn their back.” – Betty Who

Each June, in honor of LGBT Pride month, HMI kicks-off our June Match Campaign designed to bolster end-of-fiscal-year fundraising and underwrite critical services and programming that promote physical health and mental well-being, educational achievement, job readiness, cultural expression and emotional resilience for disadvantaged, low-income LGBTQ young people. These supportive services help our youth overcome the social, academic and economic barriers that negatively impact their lives. Only for the month of June, HMI corporate partners, the PARC and Roddick foundations, match every dollar donated to HMI. To learn more go to www.hmi.org/PrideIs.

Interviews and images available upon request.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.| American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie brands. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at 151 international stores operated by licensees in 22 countries. For more information, please visit www.ae.com.

About AOL | AOL is a media technology company with a mission to connect consumers and creators through open marketplaces. AOL uses data to disrupt content production, distribution and monetization. The company connects publishers with advertisers across its global, programmatic platforms, tapping into Microsoft inventory and original content brands like TechCrunch, The Huffington Post and MAKERS which reach over 500 million monthly global consumers. Within its mobile advertising network alone, AOL has a reach of roughly 800 million users. A subsidiary of Verizon, AOL is shaping the digital future.

About Hetrick-Martin Institute | Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. HMI creates this environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth between the ages of 13 and 24 and their families. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, HMI seeks to foster healthy youth development. HMI’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models.

About Baron Von Fancy | Gordon Stevenson, sometimes known as Baron Von Fancy moves easily and with an impressive amount of energy between mediums to experiment with concept, color and humor. A genuine creative his mediums are numerous and diverse. Whether he is painting, designing or collaborating with other artists, he engages a playful, sometimes mischievous and always clever approach. Considering his art making to be as much about the activity as it is about the product, Stevenson allows this distinction to influence his practice and define his style. Stevenson is a dynamic, versatile artist who possesses an eye for color, a romantic inclination and a cheeky sense of humor.

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