The Swedish clothing company H&M is under fire for producing their LGBTQ Pride Collection in countries that consider homosexuality illegal.
H&M is receiving negative criticism after releasing their first pride collection because their clothing is made in nations that consider homosexuality a crime. Their manufacturing facilities are in Bangladesh and India, including other manufacturers in China and Turkey.
H&M released a statement in regards to this negative backlash saying, “We have made products in these countries for a long time … this collection is made by suppliers we have worker with for many years.”
This isn’t the first time H&M received negative feedback for previous choices in releasing the collection. Earlier this year they released a child’s sweatshirt with the phrase “COOLEST MONKEY IN THE JUNGLE” with an African-American child modelling on their website. Many found this offense as the child featured was insinuating the phrase as a racial slur.
There are many sides on this issue with some saying it’s bad that H&M’s factories are in countries that discourages the LGBTQ community. Some think that this is exposing the LGBTQ community to these areas, that rarely feature pride clothing in their country.
This collection is to support the LGBTQ community, donating 10 percent of sale proceeds to the U.N. Free and Equal Campaign. This campaign works around the world to stand up for equal rights and fair treatment for members of the LGBTQ community. Check out the video above for more on the H&M incidents.
