Pride with purpose: our partnership with Galop

At Glasses Direct, Pride isn’t just a month-long celebration, it’s a commitment to visibility, inclusion and meaningful support for the LGBTQIA+ community. That’s why this year, we’re pleased to introduce our brand-new Pride Collection, designed to celebrate diversity and self-expression. But this isn’t just about style, it’s about making an impact. For every pair of frames sold from this collection, we’re donating £2 to Galop, a key charity that supports LGBTQIA+ members, regardless of gender identity, who have experienced homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, or other forms of abuse and violence.

Who are Galop?

Galop is a leading LGBTQIA+ anti-violence charity in the UK. Since 1982, they have been a lifeline for LGBTQIA+ people. Each year, they provide support for over ten thousand victims and survivors facing hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called ‘conversion therapies’, honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Their mission is simple but powerful—to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ person in the UK can live free from violence and fear.

Your donations help Galop deliver critical services, including:

Four national helplines for LGBTQIA+ victims of abuse and violence, offering confidential emotional and practical support. Family members, friends and professionals can also contact them if they are concerned about an LGBTQIA+ individual facing abuse.

Specialist casework and advocacy services for survivors of sexual abuse or domestic violence, helping individuals navigate the complex police and criminal justice system.

Campaigns and research that raise awareness and drive systematic change.

Referrals to LGBTQIA+-specific support services such as counselling, legal advice and emergency housing.

Other ways Galop raises funds:

Initiatives like Game for Galop support young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are survivors of domestic abuse or violence, funding essentials like food and clothing and providing accessibility to emergency housing.

Supporters can also become a Galop Guardian, providing regular donations to sustain Galop’s vital work.

Two hands join to form a heart shape, one adorned with a black lace sleeve, a rainbow wristband, a ring and long black-painted nails; the other styled with a leopard-print sleeve and a ring.

Why this partnership matters

Pride is a celebration of progress, but also a call to action, reminding us of the ongoing fight for equality and safety. Partnering with the anti-abuse charity Galop allows us to contribute directly, helping fund life-changing services for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. The need for organisations like Galop is more urgent than ever. According to Galop’s 2021 Hate Crime Report, while three in five LGBTQIA+ individuals who experience hate crime seek help, only one in five can access any form of support. This support gap is concerning and highlights the systemic barriers many still face.

Even more troubling, over 90% of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes go unreported, according to government research, highlighting the stark contrast between official statistics and the community’s lived reality.

While some reports suggested a decline in hate crimes in England and Wales for 2022/23, Galop saw a 65% increase in LGBTQIA+ victims reaching out to their services during the same time. For the transgender community, the risk is particularly critical, with an 11% rise in transphobic hate crimes, nearly double the number reported just two years earlier.

These figures aren’t just numbers, they’re individuals seeking safety, dignity and hope.

Two rainbow-coloured square acetate glasses lie intertwined on a cream backdrop, each pair open and angled slightly apart.

Wear with Pride

At Glasses Direct, we believe in putting our values into action. Our Pride Collection frames are more than a stylish accessory, they’re a symbol of solidarity, love and visibility. When you shop our Pride Collection, you’re helping build a world where everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality, can live authentically and safely. Each frame purchased plays a crucial role and helps Galop continue their essential work, whether that’s providing a safe space, answering a helpline call, or standing up for LGBTQIA+ rights at a policy level.

What makes Galop’s work especially vital is their focus on the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ people face when seeking help, often in environments that can be dismissive or unsafe. Their services are not just inclusive; they’re designed specifically with LGBTQIA+ needs in mind.

We’re incredibly proud to support Galop and we invite you to be part of the change. Explore the collection, share the message and wear your Pride, not just throughout June, but all year round.

Together, we can see a brighter future.

How your donations make a difference

When it comes to supporting a charity like Galop, every donation, no matter how small, can have a powerful impact. Charities rely on your generous donations to fund everything from frontline services to community outreach. Even the smallest contribution can help change lives. Explore below what a difference your donation could make.