Scarlett Johansson supports LGBTQIA+ community with Pride Month donation as her beauty brand, The Outset, pledges a percentage of June sales to the NYC LGBT Community Center, aiming to empower queer New Yorkers during Pride Month. The Oscar-nominated actress, known globally for her roles in Marvel films, leverages her influence and resources to stand by the LGBTQIA+ community in a month devoted to their visibility and rights.
Expanding Her Advocacy Through The Outset
In recognition of Pride Month, Scarlett Johansson’s beauty company, The Outset, has announced a charitable initiative supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in New York. This move demonstrates Johansson’s ongoing commitment to social causes, connecting the success of her business to actions that benefit marginalized groups. The Outset, established in 2022, already distinguishes itself through gentle, clean skincare aimed at those with sensitive skin and adult acne, a detail that reflects Johansson’s personal experiences and priorities.
This June, responding to the spirit of Pride and ongoing struggles for LGBTQIA+ equality, The Outset is donating one percent of all monthly proceeds to the NYC LGBT Community Center. This center is a prominent hub for advocacy, health services, recovery programs, family and youth support, and creative expression, serving as a vital resource for countless New Yorkers.
At The Outset, we are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, not just in words, but in action. And that’s why this June, The Outset is donating 1% of all proceeds to the NYC LGBT Community Center, an amazing space that supports and uplifts LGBTQIA+ folks every day at the center.
The brand’s official statement underscores a focus on tangible action instead of symbolic gestures, highlighting the importance of concrete support for queer individuals. Johansson encourages both long-time customers and newcomers to purchase from The Outset, emphasizing that every sale in June will contribute to meaningful change. Additionally, she urges fans to visit the center’s official giving page to directly help continue their work for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
The Outset’s Ongoing Support and Impact
Scarlett Johansson’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community is not new. In 2023, her company also made a public donation aligned with the ongoing debate about drag show bans and anti-LGBT protests. During that challenging period, Johansson addressed her fans directly, assuring them that the fight for equality and acceptance continues while urging collective solidarity. Her message that
“fans knew they weren’t alone in this fight”
reinforced how celebrity influence can help sustain morale and bring attention to issues affecting marginalized groups.
As The Outset grows, these recurring commitments set a precedent for other beauty brands to follow. Johansson’s philanthropic approach demonstrates her understanding that commercial success brings responsibility to the broader public, especially those facing adversity. The cumulative impact of percentage-based donations—coupled with amplified messaging through her fame—makes a measurable difference for the New York LGBTQIA+ population and highlights the brand’s values of inclusivity and support.
Navigating Past Controversies and Embracing Representation
While Scarlett Johansson’s current advocacy is widely recognized, her relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community has evolved. In 2018, her decision to accept a transgender role as Dante ‘Tex’ Gill in the film Rub & Tug prompted public backlash and heated debate. Many critics argued the part should go to a transgender actor, highlighting broader issues around representation in Hollywood casting.
At first, Johansson’s response—suggesting concerns should be taken up with the director—was poorly received. However, upon reflection, she stepped down from the role and acknowledged the importance of authentic casting, admitting she learned from the controversy. This incident became a turning point for Johansson, pushing her to engage more thoughtfully with matters of diversity and inclusion in film. Since then, she has immersed herself in supporting initiatives uplifting queer artists, youth, and creative spaces.
Her commitment to positive change stands as an example for other public figures, reminding audiences and fellow celebrities alike that growth is possible when one listens to affected communities and chooses to amplify their voices and experiences.
What Johansson’s Actions Mean for Pride and Beyond
Scarlett Johansson’s initiatives this Pride Month signal how influential voices can channel commercial platforms for advocacy and philanthropic support. By partnering with the NYC LGBT Community Center, she brings attention and resources to vital services offering support in areas such as health, recovery, arts, and community building for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
As Pride Month continues, Johansson’s brand sets a benchmark for celebrity-led businesses to engage with social causes not just symbolically, but through direct contributions. The Outset’s ongoing involvement in equality campaigns and charitable giving reinforces its identity as a brand anchored in respect, representation, and meaningful impact for the communities it aims to serve. In a time when visibility, advocacy, and allyship remain crucial for queer rights and well-being, contributions like these help sustain vital organizations and inspire collective action for progress.
