“If we can be equals here, we can be equals everywhere.”
Nike just released a new ad promoting the power of inclusion.
“Equality” sees a group of top US athletes—including LeBron James, Serena Williams and out soccer player Megan Rapinoe—reflecting on the importance of making sure the field, turf and court are truly spaces for all.
“Is this the land history promised? This field of play, where you are defined by actions, not your looks and beliefs,” a voice reads as black and white images of the various sports stars scroll by.
“For too long these ideals have taken refuge inside these lines,” the voice concludes. “Equality should have no boundaries. The bond between players should exist between people… The ball should bounce the same for everyone. If we can be equals here, we can be equals everywhere.”
In a behind-the-scenes video of the spot, each athlete opens up about what equality means to them.
“Being a gay woman in this country in sport, wherever I am in the conversation, it’s there,” Rapinoe said. “Just my responsibility making sure that I speak up about it and speak up for other people and hopefully grow that movement in that way.”
“Equality” is just the latest pro-LGBT declaration to come from Nike, who regularly releases equality-themed clothes and this past August, built an ad campaign around transgender athlete Chris Mosier.
