For the fourth year in a row, AE is proud to support the It Gets Better Project by donating 100% of sales of our annual Pride collection to the nonprofit, which uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ youth around the world. But inclusivity starts from the inside out, which is why we’re taking this opportunity to reflect on what equality, individuality, and a better future mean to us.

 We kicked off our series of guest posts about love, acceptance, and how it really DOES get better with our Global Brand President, Chad Kessler, and have followed up with posts from associates across the country. Now, AE associate Mason in Hawaii shares how working at such an acceptance company makes him feel comfortable coming to work and keeping it #AerieREAL.

SHOP WOMEN’S PRIDE    |    SHOP MEN’S PRIDE

MASON KAUO

AE Sales Associate & Jean Expert in Hawaii

The support that the company gives to the LGBTQ+ community makes me feel very proud about working with American Eagle. It makes me feel comfortable with coming to work, and I know that I don’t have to talk or act a certain way when I come in ‘cause everybody’s accepting here.

If I could tell my younger self some advice, I would tell my younger self to be yourself, to accept all your flaws, to express all of your uniqueness. And to most importantly, keep it #AerieREAL.

Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours? Share it with #ItGetsBetter @americaneagle to show your support and inspire LGBTQ+ youth around the world!