We Are Proud! Message From Our Founder

I’m proud 365 days a year, but this month is the most fun — and serves as a reminder that being yourself is nothing to take for granted.

My hope is that being part of the Leota world makes you feel a little bit more excited about being your authentic self. After all, that’s what fashion is all about, isn’t it? 

At Leota, diversity is built right into our company's DNA because this is personal to me. I believe that being your true self is one of the most radical things you can do. I haven't always been able to do that, so if I have any influence at all, I want to use it to make sure someone's identity or culture is never used against them.

We design for all genders, and are particularly proud of our TGNC clientele for being so brave. 

This is exactly why I love Pride Month so much: By celebrating diversity, self-expression, and self-love, we help make this world a better, safer, more accepting place for people of all genders and orientations.

While much has been accomplished over the years, we still have a lot of progress to make, and I encourage you to join me. Even my hometown of New York City, with rainbow flags adorning many businesses and expressions of pride abound, is no safe haven. The LGBTQ+ community continues to face violence and discrimination.

That’s why I support RiseOut and the important work they’re doing to help ensure justice and opportunity for all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Leota donates to Housing Works, a local non-profit fighting the intertwined crises of AIDS and homelessness. And here in our studio, Leota promotes a culture of real openness and self-expression in the workplace — for example, by rejecting discrimination and offering gender-neutral restrooms at our company headquarters.

Don’t just take it from me. Strike up a convo with your LGBTQ+ friends, acquaintances, and coworkers, and ask them, how can you be the best ally? I think it would be a very welcome conversation. Be brave, be you, and be proud!

Be brave, be you, and be proud!

XO,

— Sarah Carson, Founder & CEO