While the full-length Loveletter to LGBTQ+ episode is already 36-minutes long, Vans had a ton of additional footage to share after five months of filming that deserves to be seen, as well as a few skaters they missed on the first round. In this final LGBTQ+ Love Note there are some skater-submitted gems that gracefully encapsulate the hard-hitting universal truths, along with the creativity, friendship and raw skate talent from the LGBTQ+ community as well as some Extras, Outtakes and Omissions.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: A Conversation With ChandlerBurton | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
Chandler Burton played a huge part in the making the LGBTQ+ episode of Loveletters to Skateboarding. Burton introduced Grosso to many of the skaters featured in the piece and remains an encouraging voice for the queer skate community. Burton tells his story of coming out as a queer skater, how he battled societal norms, and the importance of allyship.
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: A Conversation With Elissa Steamer | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
Grosso catches up with skate pioneer, Elissa Steamer, to talk about queerness in skateboarding and the hardships of communicating identity within the skate community. Hint: language is everything!
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
Vans Presents: Inside Jerry Hsu’s Sci-Fi Fantasy | Skate | VANS
A product of the ‘90s, Jerry Hsu and his small-batch brand, Sci-Fi Fantasy, stand for unapologetic, creative self-expression. Vans leans into his mind-melting world to understand the places, eras and principles from which he draws his inspiration.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: A Conversation With Cher Strauberry | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
This was the last interview Grosso did for the Loveletters to Skateboarding series. He and Cher exchange emotional stories about life, love, skateboarding and the LGBTQ+ scene.
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: Barker Barrett & Cher Strauberry | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
Skateboarding legend and long-time Ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Barker Barrett, sits down with Cher Strauberry for an informative chat about how to be a supportive Ally, while also laying down some heavy curb skating.
Loveletter To LGBTQ+ | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | VANS
Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, before the passing of legendary skater and host Jeff Grosso, who was a champion for inclusive skateboarding. We believe this message of unity and equality must be told, and that all voices of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be heard. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support of the LGBTQ+ Skate Community as we continue to drive positive change. – Vans
Vans Presents: Justin Henry’s World Peace | Skate | VANS
Filmed earlier this year, Justin Henry’s World Peace uplifts the importance of rallying around community and youth, and fostering a kinder world with equality for all. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support with Justin as we continue to drive positive change.
With strong ties to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and its local skateboard scene, Quasi Skateboards’ Justin Henry grew up skating crusty spots and learning the value of putting in work and making each try count. He invited Vans inside that world recently, recounting his journey from young talent to pro, and his determination to give back to the community that has shaped him. As part of an upcoming footwear collaboration with Justin Henry releasing July 6 at select skate retailers, Vans is giving back to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio with a $10k donation. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Directed by Patrick O’Dell
Grosso Forever: The Propeller Vert Sessions | Skate | VANS
With Propeller being the first ever full-length skateboarding film from Vans, there was no question that it needed to pay homage its roots. Opening with an 80’s style backyard ramp session quickly became the plan, but what most don’t know is that Jeff Grosso single-handedly made it happen. From finding the location to assembling the skaters, Jeff became the heart and soul behind the shoot. Here for the first time is a full cut of what went down during those three epic days. This is a tribute to Jeff and everything he brought to our world through his boundless love for skateboarding. Featuring Jeff Grosso, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Lizzie Armanto and Omar Hassan.
Grosso Forever.
Grosso Forever: Jeff Grosso’s Birthday Tribute – VANS
The old adage has never rung more true: legends never die. In memory of beloved Vans family member and skateboarding icon, Jeff Grosso, some of Jeff’s closest friends come together to celebrate his life during a virtual birthday gathering.
Grosso leaves behind a prolific legacy of skateboarding history, having touched the lives of skaters of all ages and backgrounds with his cunning commentary, tenacious attitude, and enduring activism for preserving the core. The special ceremony will showcase never-before-seen-footage of Jeff by Greg Hunt from the Vans Propeller vert sessions, birthday edits by Six Stair Productions of personal video dedications from friends and family. Moderated by Chris Nieratko, the event will close with an intimate memorial gathering with respected skate names such as Steve Van Doren, Loveletters to Skateboarding co-creators Rick Charnoski and Buddy Nichols, John Lucero, Steve Olson, Steve Alba and Lizzie Armanto.
Despite the era of social distancing, Vans brings us all together for this unique and truly special moment – a heartfelt ode to many lives lived by a passionate man who loved skateboarding more than anyone. Jeff Grosso, you are missed! – VANS
Vans Presents: Credits | Skate | VANS
Just under a year in the making, CREDITS celebrates the diverse energy and personalities of the global women’s skate community directed by Shari White. With a talented cast led by three underground favorites — Una Farrar, Breana Geering, and Fabiana Delfino —the film highlights the unique, individual style and expression of a group of friends that skate, hang and travel together. Other featured riders, Beatrice Domond, Cher Strauberry, Clara Solar, Poppy Olsen, Helena Long, Adelaide Norris, Dayana Young and director Shari White herself.
Vans Presents: Andrew Allen’s Hockey Authentic HI | Skate | VANS
The Authentic High Pro in Andrew Allen Hockey black and Vans x Hockey L/S and S/S shirt are now available. For more information, click HERE.