Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesus Gutierrez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Jesus thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our mission at Gay Pride Apparel is to empower and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community every day, everywhere. This mission is deeply personal to us as gay, first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up feeling unseen in mainstream culture.
The turning point came during Pride 2018 in New York City. On July 1st, we saw the vibrant rainbows and celebrations of Pride washed away, a stark reminder of how society often limits LGBTQ+ visibility to a single month. We wanted to change that.
Gay Pride Apparel was born to reclaim space for our community, 365 days a year. Our mission is about creating a world where authenticity is celebrated every day—because Pride doesn’t begin or end in June. It’s who we are.
Jesus , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
We’re Jesus Gutierrez and Sergio Aragon, founders of Gay Pride Apparel—a NYC-based LGBTQ+ apparel and accessories brand. Our journey started as childhood best friends in Phoenix, Arizona, and evolved into a shared dream to create something meaningful for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, inspired by our experiences as queer, first-generation Mexican-Americans, we launched Gay Pride Apparel to empower and celebrate our community year-round.
Our brand specializes in high-quality clothing and accessories designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and promote inclusivity. What sets us apart is that we approach Pride not as a fleeting trend but as an everyday commitment. Our work reflects authenticity, empowerment, and representation, creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated 365 days a year—not just during Pride Month.
The moment that sparked this journey happened during Pride 2018 in New York City. On July 1st, we saw the streets, once filled with rainbows and celebration, wiped clean as though Pride had ended. It felt symbolic of how society often limits LGBTQ+ celebration to a single month. That experience pushed us to create a brand that ensures Pride is always present and accessible.
Since launching, we’ve been fortunate to grow beyond our wildest dreams. Our work has been featured in publications like The Independent and AZCentral, and we’ve collaborated with incredible partners such as Wicked on Broadway and HBO. One of our proudest moments was being featured in 1,300+ Walmart stores in 2023 & 2024—a milestone that reaffirmed our mission’s impact and reach.
What we’re most proud of, however, is the community we’ve built. With over 100,000 people globally supporting our work, we’ve become a beacon of visibility and celebration for LGBTQ+ individuals around the world. We’re here to remind people that Pride is for everyone, everywhere, every day—and we hope our products empower people to live their truth unapologetically.
Whether it’s a t-shirt that sparks a conversation or a gift that makes someone feel seen, our goal is to spread pride, authenticity, and love. This is more than a business for us; it’s our way of giving back to the community that shaped us and continues to inspire us every day.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Our story begins in 6th grade in Phoenix, Arizona, where we met as kids navigating the chaos of middle school. We became best friends almost instantly, bonding over our shared experiences as first-generation Mexican-Americans and our love of creativity, humor, and dreaming big.
As we grew up, life took us in different directions—different colleges, different cities—but our friendship remained a constant. Over time, we both realized we had more than just friendship in common and started dating.
As co-founders and life partners, we bring different strengths to the table. Jesus is the big-picture thinker and strategist, while Sergio has a sharp eye for design and fashion. Together, we balance each other out and turn our shared vision into reality. Gay Pride Apparel isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of our relationship, our values, and our desire to make a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Working together as both partners and co-founders has been an incredible journey. It’s taught us the importance of trust, communication, and always remembering why we started: to celebrate and empower a community that means so much to us.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building our reputation within the LGBTQ+ market has been about staying true to our mission and always listening to our customers. From the very beginning, we’ve made it a priority to engage with our community authentically, ensuring that their voices guide our decisions. Whether it’s through social media, direct feedback, or one-on-one conversations, we actively seek input to create products and experiences that truly resonate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gayprideapparel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayprideapparel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayprideapparel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gay-pride-apparel
Image Credits
Gay Pride Apparel