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Nike's New Pride Ad Celebrates Trans Voices & the Power of Vogue
The ad features the Wonder Woman of vogue, Leiomy Maldonado.
Nike is celebrating transgender artists and the power of voguing in their powerful new #BeTrue ad.
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The minute-long video focuses on the legendary vogue artist and Amazon Mother, Leiomy Maldonado, who was the first transgender dancer on America's Best Dance Crew in 2009. As she vogues through the streets, a voiceover by trans artist Princess Ebony asks, "Hey Lei, what did you do to make your mark on this world? What mountains did you climb?"
Nike seems to be recognizing voguers as athletes, as the video goes on to show the hours of extensive training and rehearsing Maldonado puts in before taking the stage and voguing the haus down (boots) in a nightclub. Mic points out that this is the first time a major sports brand has celebrated vogueing as not just an art form, but a sport.
"#betrue to #equality. Break barriers. Accept all athletes," Maldonado posted on Instagram. "Thank you @nikenyc for the opportunity and platform to share my story with the world!"
Watch the powerful video below.
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
