Portsmouth T-shirt firm launches Pride product to support LGBT youth

AN UPCOMING independent clothing and apparel brand in Old Portsmouth is looking to make a big impact.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Sep 2018, 16:47 BST
Updated 5th Sep 2018, 07:22 BST
Business partners and couple Tom Pearson, right, and Tony Read at the launch of their Pride T-shirts, part of their PO1Realness brand, Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth. Picture: Chris MoorhouseBusiness partners and couple Tom Pearson, right, and Tony Read at the launch of their Pride T-shirts, part of their PO1Realness brand, Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Business partners and couple Tom Pearson, right, and Tony Read at the launch of their Pride T-shirts, part of their PO1Realness brand, Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

PO1Realness is launching a range of Pride T-shirts on its website and has decided to donate £5 for every T-shirt sold to Breakout Youth Services '“ an organisation that serves the youth of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The company hopes to inspire others by showing people they can be proud of who they are no matter what their sexuality.

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Tony Read, co-founder, said: '˜PO1Realness is an independent clothing brand set up and run by myself and my partner Tom, in the heart of Old Portsmouth. When thinking back to our experiences of 'coming out' we were very lucky to be accepted and supported by our families.

'˜However not everyone is as lucky. Coming to terms with your sexuality and gender can be a struggle along with puberty and the pressures of school and college.'

Tony admitted he wanted to make a difference and support those who are struggling to find their identity.

He continued: '˜With just under a month until Portsmouth Pride we decided to launch a collection of T-shirts for Breakout Youth Services which support gay youth services all over Hampshire including the 4U Project in Portsmouth, which offers support to anyone seeking help or information regarding their gender or sexuality.

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'˜We really hope people will join us and get behind this amazing charity to ensure that nobody suffers in silence and can be accepted for who they are.'

Speaking of the T-shirts, Tony added: '˜We wanted to keep it simple but make a statement so we look forward to people checking out the designs and showing their support in Hampshire.'

Money raised will go towards people being offered one-to-one sessions, lessons at secondary school, parent support sessions, music groups and weekly youth groups for the LBGT community. See  breakoutyouth.org

Related topics:PrideOld PortsmouthPortsmouthHampshire