May 21st, 2010
It’s one thing when Madonna loves the gays; they pay her bills. The same could be true with certain brands or products.
But Levi’s? Really, when is the last time you saw a gay guy or gal in a pair of Levi’s? I mean, I wore 501’s all through college, but that was in the early 80’s. I think I have maybe one pair of their jeans I once bought when I spilled something on my pants and didn’t have time to shop.
Maybe that should change. Maybe we should support Levi’s – because they definitely support us.
Levi Strauss and Co has for many many years provided non-discrimination protections and supported our non-profit endeavors even provided spousal coverage (they were the first Fortune 500 to do so). They gave money to oppose Proposition 8 and made a public statement of support. Now they are stepping it up.
As part of its ongoing commitment to equality, the Levi’s® brand is once again partnering with White Knot for Equality in support of same-sex marriage. White Knot for Equality is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving equal rights for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) population. In solidarity with White Knot’s mission, Levi’s® is expanding on its existing partnership with White Knot by displaying white ribbons in all Levi’s® stores nationwide beginning this week through the end of June 2010. As part of the program, mannequins will be outfitted with white ribbons, a symbol that combines two traditional signs of marriage – white and tying the knot. To further support the program, all stores will have a limited supply of white ribbons for employees and customers who want to show their support for equality.
Now the phobes love to accuse any company who treats gay customers with decency of “taking sides and supporting homosexual marriage!!” Levi’s is actually doing so.
This weekend I’m going to go buy be a pair of Levi’s jeans. Do they still make 501’s?
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Emily K
May 21st, 2010
well timothy, gross generational stereotyping aside, I wear jeans when they’re fitting to me.
additionally, if we ARE doing the stereotyping here, gay WOMEN will DEFINITELY wear jeans. The more rugged, the better.
Mike
May 21st, 2010
I’m wearing Levis right now.
NARNC60AC
May 21st, 2010
loungin n my 505’s right now :P
guess i better go buy another pair of levi’s this weekend
tim
May 21st, 2010
I’m wearing the same Express jeans I wore to a wedding a few months ago in Mexico (straight couple). One of the best weddings I’ve been to since it dispensed with the formal ceremony and attire bullshit found at so many ceremonies.
(and you will never catch me wearing Levis)
Ted
May 21st, 2010
All I wear are jeans… what else is there to wear? Plaid? Khaki? Slacks? One they’re boring, and two, you can’t make a mess with them. Jeans are classy, durable, and comfortable. Wear jeans. Period. Duh. Go Levi’s!
TampaZeke
May 21st, 2010
I wear blue jeans often and when I do they’re Levi’s 501’s.
They still make them but they’re harder to find.
This is a good reason for gays to start a new fashion trend (as we do very well) with a retro look that includes Levi’s jeans.
Timothy Kincaid
May 21st, 2010
I should clarify.
I live in jeans… but my brand of choice hasn’t been Levi’s. Now I think I’ll make a change.
Burr
May 21st, 2010
Yeah I wear jeans but I was never particular about brand. Perhaps I should start.
Jeremy
May 21st, 2010
Of course people still wear Levis. And of course Levis is on our side. Did you miss this ad campaign a little while ago, with Walt Whitman poetry narrated by Walt himself (supposedly, in the first one) and Will Geer (in the second), and featuring a print camaign with photography by Ryan McGinley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdW1CjbCNxw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAXpJSvW5mA
They’ve been the only jeans I wear for a while now. Personally, I prefer the 511 slim fit jeans to the classic 501s, but I do miss the button fly. The 510 super slims are a bit too skinny for me to pull off, but I do like seeing them on other people.
Dave
May 21st, 2010
I have always been partial to Levi’s jeans, they have always fit me well, and I’m delighted they fought to defeat Prop H8. I’m wearing a pair of 517’s at the moment, have 559’s and Silvertabs in the closet. I’ve abandoned the 501’s, not for me. Go Levi Strauss!
Mike Camardelle
May 22nd, 2010
Guess I’m one of the strange ones. I have more 501’s and 550’s and SilverTabs in my closet than any other brand. For one, I love their fit. If I do say so myself, my butt looks better in them than any of the others. Two, they leave a lot of room in the legs without buying loose fits. And three, I have a couple of pair in there that are 15+ years old and look better than the day I bought them.
I just found out recently how much they support our community after a few commercials on LOGO and some research on their website.
We should spend out $$ with LGBT supportive companies, as long as we like their products.
Cowboy Billy
May 22nd, 2010
Ok, that’s it! I have worn a competative brand for years….Now I am switching to 501’s…Cowboy up!
gregory brown
May 22nd, 2010
You can find 501s at JCPenney. They cost a bunch more than in the 80’s, but there are sales regularly I really like button flies but age and a desire for comfort has moved me to 505’s.
Ben in Oakland
May 22nd, 2010
As a long time connoisseur of boy butts, and having come of age in the ’70’s, I can tell you that there is nothing like a pair of 501’s to show off what God created. sometimes I want to scream at boys I see: “Why are you wearing those things?” They either make you look like an overweight hausfrau at Walmart, or a 2 year old girl on a softball team.
BobbyInBeaverton
May 22nd, 2010
Last time I saw someone gay wearing Levis? Last time I looked in the mirror! And, yes, they stil sell 501s and they’re still hot (wish I still had the body for them–we’re in 505s now…). And Levis has always been very gay-supportive–go buy some!
Most expensive place to buy: Levis stores.
Cheapest (here in the Pac NW): Fred Meyers
Richard Rush
May 22nd, 2010
Wow, I guess I’m really out of the fashion loop. I’ve been wearing Levi’s all my life (and that’s a long time). My partner, too. We had no idea that we were supposed to feel embarrassed all these years. So now we can feel proud. Who knew?
Full disclosure: Many years ago I once tried another brand, but they didn’t fit right. I’m sitting here now in a pair of Levi’s 505’s as I type this.
cowboy
May 22nd, 2010
As a BWA (Butt Watchers Anonymous) charter member I haven’t found a membership record for any Ben in Oakland. I’ll keep checking.
I think the supply of Levis 501s have been bought up just in time for IML this coming weekend. I know I have felt I have kept my local feed & tack store in business with just what I buy in Levis and Wranglers.
I’ve always worn Levis 501s. Shrink to fit. Wear them first the bathtub. They had the size I need. Nothing looks worse than “high waters†or “flood†when wearing boots.
Plus, the advertisement that Brad Pitt did for Levis…along with his Levis in Thelma & Louise contributed to my devotion to Levi Strauss.
And who can remember the Levi commercial when the man pulled on his Levis and up came the ground floor to his apartment. (Special effects). Then he walked off with his date (another guy).
Just one pet peeve: I just wish people would tear off the size tab on the rear patch on the belt loop. It is meant to be torn off. I notice these things when I concentrate so much on…well…you get the picture.
Tom
May 22nd, 2010
I have worn Levis all my adult life. I, too, didn’t know I was out of fashion. Have about 75 pairs, mostly 501’s. Although I probably should switch to 505’s, I am firmly established in wearing 501’s. Had my best encounters wearing them. Ah, the memories.
So good to know the brand I support is now making a real effort to support us.
Always check out the thrift stores before I go to the retail stores. A lot cheaper there.
Richard Rush
May 22nd, 2010
Oh, I almost forgot: My partner and I have been wearing lots of Dockers (by Levi Strauss and Co) for many years. Actually, a lot more Dockers than jeans. Were we supposed to feel embarrassed about our fashion sense for wearing those, too? I really don’t know.
Well, when I wear T-shirts I still tuck them into my pants. So, there!
John D
May 22nd, 2010
I have 501s in a variety of colors. Brown. Green. Black. Blue (of course).
Matt
May 22nd, 2010
Looking forward to the post where Jim Burroway wonders if any gay people could possibly be so bourgeois as to shop at Wal-Mart or fly the American flag outside of their houses or eat at Dairy Queen.
Alex H
May 23rd, 2010
The only jean brand I wear is Levi’s. They fit great and I love the 511 (skinny fit).
When I found out that the company was supporting our community, I made the conscious decision to always shop Levi’s. :)
Eddie89
May 23rd, 2010
I love and support Levis, but I will never buy them or anything else from Wal-Mart:
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: Does not offer domestic partner benefits except in locations required by law. Wal-Mart is the largest retail seller of books but refuses to carry any LGBT titles in their stores. [HRC buyers guide] Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke and his wife signed petitions to ban adoption for same-sex couples in Arkansas. [KnowThyNeighbor.org]
Watching this documentary also gave me several more reasons not to patronize Wal-Mart:
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price
Mark F.
May 23rd, 2010
I like Levis. However, I can’t agree that you should support a company just because they have pro-gay policies. I also demand quality and value, which Levis provide.
Timothy Kincaid
May 24th, 2010
No, Matt, Jim Burroway doesn’t usually run the fashion police or denigrate Dairy Queen diners. That’s my job.
And I’m delighted that so many readers and commenters have been loyal to Levi’s.
Jim Burroway
May 24th, 2010
Matt, who has never met me, seems to think he knows me. He should stop by sometime. I’m in the house that sometimes has an American Flag out front. Maybe we can meet up for chili-dogs and a Blizzard. My treat.
Priya Lynn
May 24th, 2010
Mmmmm chili dogs… gghuuhggguh…
Chris McCoy
May 24th, 2010
I still have my 501 Reasons Tee, with that eternal truth emblazoned on the front:
“That’s a dangerous place to put a zipper.”
Mike F
November 8th, 2010
I’m 6’8″ tall, 210 pounds with a 33 waist…have been wearing Levis 501xx for 30 years…size 34/40. Recently Levis stopped making 501xx in 40 inch inseams….unless you have a 36 inch waist. You can get ’em in 50+ waist and 30 inseam (THAT image is disturbing). So they continue to make jeans for the average, heavy set and obese customers, but have abandoned the market for us tall guys.
SIGH….am gonna have to switch to Wranglers 13 MWZ. Those can be found in a 44 inseam!
If anyone knows of a source for new old stock shrink-to-fit in 34 or 35/40, I’d be most grateful for the information.
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