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, Jacoby Freeman, an AE associate in Mesquite, TX, shares his thoughts on being your true self.
SHOP WOMEN’S PRIDE | SHOP MEN’S PRIDE
JACOBY FREEMAN
Merchandising Manager in Mesquite, TX
My name is Jacoby Freeman and I’m a merchandising manager in Mesquite, TX. I’ve been with AE about 6 1/2 years now. I actually started as a sales associate in Shreveport, LA and just moved to Texas about 8 months ago.
One thing I love about AE is their support for every type of person. I’ve very excited this year that every store has the Pride theme. It honestly makes me feel very proud to work for a company such as AE with their support of the LGBTQ+ community.
With the focus on the Pride collection being It Gets Better, I would tell my younger self to believe with every fiber of my being that it really does get better. Because it’s 100% the truth. I wish I would have known how the amazing people around you will support you with all their heart. They don’t see you as anything else but your true self and that means everything in the world.
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!
