Monki focuses on LGBTQ rights at HQ in Sweden

Fast fashion brand Monki is marking pride month by becoming officially LGBTQ certified. The clothing label, which is owned by the Swedish fashion giant H&M, has announced that its Gothenburg-based head office has been LGBTQ certified by the non-profit Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL). 

The organization has been leading workshops for the brand's employees over the past three months, to educate them on "norms and the impact they have on the working conditions and health of LGBTQ people," and Monki hopes that the move will result in a positive chain-reaction across its company.

"At Monki, empowering people to be themselves is one of our core missions," said Lea Rytz Goldman, Managing Director, Monki, in a statement. "That being said, we know there is always room for improvement. Our LBGTQ certification is just one step towards a kinder future for all."

"Monki is also the first fashion brand to be LGBTQ certified by RFSL, which marks a great change towards a more inclusive industry and we are very proud to be part of Monki's journey," added Gustaf Hedman, director of education at RFSL.

Monki is not the only big name in the fashion and beauty world taking a strong stance on improving knowledge of LGBTQ issues. While labels such as H&M, Calvin Klein and Asos have all unveiled dedicated collections for Pride month, other brands have been offering support via headline campaigns. Last week saw Marc Jacobs Beauty unveil "#GratefulNotHateful," a campaign that advocates a year-round feeling of "Pride" and calls for people to work on everyday acceptance, while February saw Lush Cosmetics team up with the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity on a 14-day campaign dubbed "Trans Rights Are Human Rights."