A history of hope
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.) has a long history of commitment to equality and social justice. LS&CO. has been a pioneer in issues of particular concern to the LGBTQ community. From progressive employment policies and practices to marketing campaigns and partnerships to funding HIV-prevention and social-justice organizations through the Levi Strauss Foundation, LS&CO. leads by example through actions rather than words.
History of hope timeline
- Early 1980s
- First major corporate foundation to fund HIV/AIDS organizations (then GRID - Gay-related Immune Deficiency). Co-founder of Business Coalition on AIDS
- 1992
- First Fortune 500 company to provide domestic partnership health benefits
- 2003
- Nondiscrimination/non-harassment policies expanded to include gender identity
- 2007
- LS&CO. is only company in California to file an amicus brief with the CA Supreme Court supporting same-sex marriage
- 2008
- Proudly co-chairs the No on Prop. 8 Business Council
LS&CO. Continuously
- Co-chairs the Human Rights Commission Business Coalition, lobbying for all-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the passage of Domestic Partnership Tax Equity Act
- Creates gay-themed television advertising and marketing campaigns (nominated for 2008 GLAAD media award)
- Scores consistently a perfect 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (CEI)
- Employs numerous openly gay men and women in senior leadership positions and across global organization
- Supports Hetrick-Martin Institute: home of the Harvey Milk High School
Levi Strauss Foundation
The Levi Strauss Foundation funds organizations that address the stigma and discrimination associated with actual or perceived HIV status including homophobia.
Among other nonprofit organizations supporting the LGBTQ community, the foundation has provided multi-year support for organizations such as:
- The Hetrick-Martin Institute
- Lambda Legal
- Centers for HIV Law/Policy
- Human Rights Watch
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
- Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues
Special thanks to campaign supporters
Many people and organizations have helped make the “Give Them Hope” campaign come to life. Our thanks go out to all those who have donated time and services.
- Levi's Brand
- sponsor
- Regent Media
- media partner
- Razorfish
- digital agency
- Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton
- photographers
- Heather Matarazzo
- Hetrick-Martin Institute Ambassador
- Travis Boyer
- stylist
- Cheyenne Vesper
- photo shoot producer
- Samantha Trinh
- make-up artist
- Ferrente Pasquale
- hair stylist
- Pier 59 Studios
- photography studio
- Jon Ophoff
- music composer
