Loveletters To LGBTQ+

Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, before the passing of legendary skater and host Jeff Grosso, who was a champion for inclusive skateboarding. We believe this message of unity and equality must be told, and that all voices of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be heard.  In our Vans family, there is no place for hatred or bigotry and it is our mission to welcome everyone into the creative community of skateboarding. 

Loveletters to Skateboarding is about the love communities around the world have for skateboarding; a common bond that is shared regardless of race, religion, and sexual orientation. This LGBTQ+ episode is a testament to that. In light of the current protests rocking our nation, this message of unity and equality must always be championed. The origins of the Pride Movement can be traced to formative voices from the black queer and trans community, who took pivotal action for their rights in the late ’60s. That’s why in honor of Pride Month, and in addition to using our collective voice to elevate these impactful stories, Vans is making a donation of $50,000 to the GSA Network, an organization working to unite trans and queer youth for racial and gender justice.

The LGBTQ+ Loveletters were the last episodes legendary skater Jeff Grosso hosted before he passed away in March 2020 -  and they were the ones he was most proud of in the 11 years of the show. Jeff admits, “I was taught at a young age to speak this way. I have been part of the problem…but I am trying to change. The last thing I want to do is make someone feel uncomfortable or make them not feel safe, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SKATEBOARDING.” It is a fitting and timely message from our dear friend, who believed that skateboarding is for everyone and all are welcome.

Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis, or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.

A Conversation With Chandler Burton

Chandler Burton played a huge part in the making the LGBTQ+ episode of Loveletters to Skateboarding. Burton introduced Grosso to many of the skaters featured in the piece and remains an encouraging voice for the queer skate community. Burton tells his story of coming out as a queer skater, how he battled societal norms, and the importance of allyship.

A Conversation With Elissa Steamer

Grosso catches up with skate pioneer, Elissa Steamer, to talk about queerness in skateboarding and the hardships of communicating identity within the skate community. Hint: language is everything!

A Conversation With Cher Strauberry

This was the last interview Grosso did for the Loveletters to Skateboarding series. He and Cher exchange emotional stories about life, love, skateboarding and the LGBTQ+ scene.

Being an Ally

Being an Ally to the LGBTQ+ is awesome. Skateboarding legend and long time Ally Barker Barrett sits down with Cher Strauberry for an informative chat about how to be a friend and Ally to the LGBTQ+ community, while also laying down some heavy curb skating.