LEGO Introduces ‘Everyone is Awesome’ in Time for Pride Month
LEGOs are loved by everyone, from toddlers to adults. Now a new LEGO set called “Everyone is Awesome” is being introduced on June 1, 2021 – just in time for Pride Month – that celebrates the diversity of all the builders from around the world.
This buildable display model was inspired by the rainbow flag that is a symbol of acceptance by the LGBTQIA+ community that features 11 monochrome minifigures that have their own unique hair style and rainbow color according to a press release.
This is the first time in the Danish toy company’s 72-year history that the LEGO Group is releasing an official LGBTQ+ pride set according to TODAY. The colors include all of the classic rainbow flag and also contains the transgender blue and pink colors as well as the black and brown stripes that were added in 2017. The model contains 346 pieces and stands 10.24 cm tall.
“I wanted to create a model that symbolizes inclusivity and celebrates everyone, no matter how they identify or who they love,” the set designer Matthew Ashton who is the vice president, design at LEGO said in the press release. “Everyone is unique, and with a little more love, acceptance and understanding in the world, we can all feel more free to be our true AWESOME selves! This model shows that we care, and that we truly believe everyone is awesome!”
We’re super excited to reveal our new set – LEGO Everyone is Awesome! Because we celebrate every LEGO builder ❤️???? #LEGO #EveryoneIsAwesome pic.twitter.com/J7KSz3zWik
— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) May 20, 2021
He added that the new set was a celebration of the LEGO Group’s LGBTQIA+ community and amongst their adult fans. “I am fortunate to be a part of a proud, supportive and passionate community of colleagues and fans. We share love for creativity and self-expression through LEGO bricks and this set is a way to show my gratitude for all the love and inspiration that is constantly shared,” said Ashton who is LGBTQ+ himself.
Ashton said on the LEGO website that he designed the set because he had to step up to the plate and make a real statement about love and inclusivity. He explained that growing up in the 1980s was scary due to the anti-gay sentiment surrounding the aids crisis. He was bullied and always told to toughen up and behave like a real boy. All of this had an impact on him.
Ashton said that he came out in his late teens and while it is easier now, it would have been a relief to receive a set like “Everyone is Awesome” to assure him that somebody had his back.
A big fan from St. Louis , Joshua Gray, 21, told TODAY that LEGOS played a significant role in his life. “This set means a lot to me because it’s a company I’ve grown up with for over 18 years acknowledging their LGBTQ+ audience not just from a simple tweet or message, but an actual product. ”
Gray added that he hopes that the LEGO set will be used as a gift for queer family members and friends to show their acceptance. Now you can too, just in time for Pride Month.
