American Apparel Joins Athlete Ally and All Out's Principle 6 Sochi Olympic Campaign Launching a Branded Clothing Line

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Athlete Ally and All Out announced today that American Apparel is launching a specially branded clothing line which will support the Principle 6 Campaign. Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter states that discrimination of any kind is incompatible with the Olympic movement. The campaign is a way for athletes, spectators and supporters to celebrate the Olympic principle of non-discrimination and call for an end to Russia's anti-gay laws before the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

The clothing line will be available starting today for purchase from American Apparel online and in stores internationally Wednesday, January 1, 2014. The majority of the proceeds from the sale of clothing will go support the Principle 6 campaign and directly to lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) advocacy groups in Russia fighting discrimination and anti-gay laws.

"If the International Olympic Committee refuses to enforce their own principles while host countries attack human rights and the dignity of athletes, the Olympic Charter is meaningless," said Andre Banks, Co-Founder and Executive Director of All Out. "Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter says that sport does not discriminate. Our campaign is a way for Olympians and millions of fans to drive that message home to the IOC."

"The Principle 6 campaign allows athletes and fans to support LGBT equality leading up to and during the Sochi Olympics without fear of arrest under Russia's anti-gay propaganda laws or penalty under the Olympic ban on political speech. This campaign is not about politics, it's about principles," said Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally.

A few of the Sochi-bound Olympians, who will serve as on-site ambassadors in Russia and will promote the Principle 6 message, include Belle Brockhoff, Blake Skjellerup and Mike Janyk. Additional Olympic athletes engaged in the campaign include Greg Louganis, Martina Navratilova, James Blake, Cameron Myler, Nick Symmonds, Mark Janoschak, Hedvig Lindahl, Megan Rapinoe, Chris Seitz, Ben Provisor, Esther Lofgren and many others.

"American Apparel has always stood up for the LGBT community. The idea of excluding anyone from the Olympic Games based on their sexual orientation is unthinkable. We are proud to join Athlete Ally and All Out to provide a way for athletes and fans to speak out against unjust discrimination," said Iris Alonzo, Creative Director of American Apparel.

"By openly supporting Principle 6 at the Winter Games in Sochi, everyone can help uphold and promote the Olympic values of non-discrimination and stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in Russia and around the world," said Anastasia Smirnova, spokesperson for a leading coalition of Russian LGBT groups.

To view pictures of athletes wearing Principle 6 branded clothing or learn more about the campaign, visit the campaign's website at www.Principle6.org.

The media may contact Eric Katzman at The TASC Group at 646-723-4344 or [email protected].

About Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization focused on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports by educating allies in the athletic community and empowering them to take a stand. We recruit Ambassadors in youth, collegiate, professional and international sports, who work to foster "allyship" in their athletic environments. Athlete Ally also provides public awareness campaigns, educational programming and tools and resources to foster inclusive sports communities.

About All Out
In 76 countries it is a crime to be gay; in 10 it can cost you your life. All Out is mobilizing millions of people and their social networks to build a powerful global movement for love and equality. Our mission is to build a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love.

About American Apparel
American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded fashion basic apparel based in downtown Los Angeles, California. As of September 30, 2013, American Apparel had approximately 10,000 employees and operated 247 retail stores in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and China. American Apparel also operates a global e-commerce site that serves over 60 countries worldwide at americanapparel.net.

Media Contact: Eric Katzman
The TASC Group
Phone: 646-723-4344
[email protected]

SOURCE Athlete Ally