Ahead of Pride Month in June, Universal Orlando Resort has announced that through August, 100% of profits from their “Love is Universal” merchandise collection will be donated to local organizations.
Love is Universal 2023
The only new “Love is Universal” merchandise to debut so far this year is a Spirit Jersey, but much of last year’s collection is available.
The local organizations Universal will donate profits to include Zebra Youth, The Center Orlando, and onePULSE Foundation.
Zebra Youth describes itself as “a network of organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24.” They assist young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, physical and sexual abuse, and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.
The Center Orlando aims to “promote and empower the LGBT community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.” They have programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The onePULSE Foundation was founded by the owner of Pulse nightclub following the 2016 shooting at the nightclub that resulted in the deaths of 49 people. The foundation’s fund “is intended to support a memorial that opens hearts, a museum that opens minds, educational programs that open eyes and legacy scholarships that open doors.” Contributions support the National Pulse Memorial & Museum design, construction, land acquisition costs, operations, community education programs, and 49 Legacy Scholarships.
Only 10% of proceeds from last year’s collection through October went exclusively to the National Pulse Memorial & Museum.
Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated worldwide every June, honoring the anniversary of the Stonewall riots — although Florida saves some celebrations for the cooler fall months.
Universal Orlando Resort honors Pride Month every year with the “Love is Universal” collection. In the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, a window pays tribute to the Team Members who were killed during the Pulse shooting.
While Walt Disney World Resort is still facing backlash from denouncing Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill (a.k.a. the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), Universal Orlando Resort never publicly acknowledged the bill. During Pride Month 2022, a former Universal Orlando Resort Team Member spoke out about how the company had failed to support its LGBTQIA+ employees.
Check out some of last year’s “Love is Universal” merchandise:
- New ‘Love is Universal’ Pride Wristlet, Apple Watch Band, and More Debut at Universal Orlando Resort
- New Rainbow Pride Socks and Car Stickers at Universal Orlando Resort
- New Rainbow Pride Tees and Shot Glass Available at Universal Orlando Resort
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The post Universal Orlando Resort Donating 100% of ‘Love is Universal’ Pride Merchandise Profits to Local LGBTQ+ Organizations Through August appeared first on WDW News Today.