Joey Donatelli on their Judgement Free workouts and designing Pride merch
The national fitness company’s “Judgement Free” ethos is about ensuring the comfort of all members, who can get in a great workout without feeling judged or pressured.
With that in mind, it’s only natural that its Pride initiative is all about inclusivity and self-expression.Partnering with Baltimore-based designer Joey Donatelli, Planet Fitness’ You Belong® Pride collection leans into nostalgic looks from the fun-loving late 1990s and early 2000s, and the special You Belong® tank top and canvas bag can be used for everyday activities.Even better: All proceeds benefit the It Gets Better Project, which is about ensuring that LGBTQ+ kids feel safe and secure in their own skin.Based on a recent Planet Fitness study, 61% of teens face mental health struggles, and the numbers are even higher for LGBTQ+ youth.
A recent Trevor Project study found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered committing suicide within the last year.Given the strong correlation between physical and mental health, Planet Fitness wants everyone – especially LGBTQ+ teens – to feel comfortable within the Judgement Free Zone®.With June being both Pride Month and the kick-off to summer, we thought it was the perfect time to catch up and chat with Joey Donatelli to learn about the message behind You Belong® and their background.
Here’s what they had to say…QUEERTY: How did you become a designer?Joey Donatelli: As a child, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic career, as art was my main form of play.
