About Pride & Tru
Welcome to Pride & Tru, an empowering LGBTQIA+ merch brand that proudly trans/interesex owned and operated. Our mission is to create merchandise that enables individuals to express themselves authentically and confidently, celebrating the beautiful diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community.
At Pride & Tru, we understand the transformative power of self-expression. We believe that everyone should have the freedom to embrace their true selves and share their unique stories with the world. We believe that every person deserves to showcase their true selves to the world without fear or judgment. Through our thoughtfully designed and carefully curated merchandise, we aim to provide a platform for self-expression and a tangible way for individuals to proudly display their identities.
Our dedicated founder & creator brings a wealth of personal experiences, insights, and passion to every design he creates. We infuse our merchandise with love, authenticity, and a touch of artistic flair, ensuring that each product reflects the diversity, resilience, and beauty of our community.
Whether you are an ally or you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, non-binary, or any other identity under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, Pride & Tru offers a curated collection of products designed to speak to everyone. We strive to offer something for every individual who wants to express their truth. If there is anything you would like to see us add, please let us know by filling out our contact form or sending us an email at support@prideandtru.com
Join us in celebrating individuality, embracing diversity, and creating a world where everyone can express themselves freely and authentically. Pride & Tru is more than just a brand; it is a movement that strives to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a sense of belonging. Wear your pride, own your truth, and let your voice be heard.
Express yourself. Embrace your identity. Live authentically.
Wear your pride with Pride & Tru.
Pride & Tru Founder
Hi, my name is Derek. I am a straight intersex/transgender man. I am adopted. I was born intersex and assigned female at birth. It was quickly realized that I was in the wrong body, but given the times (beginning of the 90s), lack of resources and general knowledge of the circumstances, and my families religious background - nothing was done about it during childhood.
I began expressing very strongly that I was going to present masculine at the mere age of two. My parents recall massive temper tantrums if put in girl clothes or anything society deemed "feminine." By 5 years old I had chosen my name, Derek, and would write it on my school papers.
Throughout my life I was constantly harassed in the women's restroom because no part of me represented a female. I was always wildly uncomfortable with female pronouns, but never felt safe to directly express that given the extremely sheltered and religious environment I grew up in. My parents always allowed me and supported me in presenting however I desired but the christian school environment was extremely damaging and toxic so that held me back from expressing, to my family, the desire to use male pronouns. I was consistently bullied by the principal for being unique and presenting the way I did.
Growing up I couldn't stand bathing suits and once puberty hit I had to wear 2xl shirts with big designs in attempts to hide my chest as well as undersized Under Armour compression shirts with compression shorts to help create a more flat appearing chest. This started in 6th grade continued until I found out about transitioning and binders around age 19.
It was at age 19 that I learned that transitioning existed and in that moment I knew what I had to do. My parents came to visit and I didn't even need to come out. As soon as I told them about my friend and how he was transitioning, they knew I was going to transitioning. The process began pretty immediately after that. I was on an intense medical treatment that was essentially chemotherapy at this time so the doctors made me complete treatment prior to starting HRT.
On Feb 2nd, 2012 at age 20, I took my first injection of testosterone. On September 20th, 2012 - just two days before my 21st birthday - I got the greatest gift of all and got to have all that weight taken off my chest by Dr. Brownstein. This was one of the best days of my life and truly the first moment where I finally felt my authentic self.
In July or August of 2016, I went off of testosterone and back on female hormones for 4 months in order to have eggs frozen prior to my hysterectomy. I had reached a point where it was medically necessary to have surgery and it was my last chance to have any chance at having kids with my DNA. At the time, I hadn’t met my birth family so it was important to me to preserve that option. Immediately after the retrieval I went back on testosterone and had my hysterectomy 30 days later. As you can imagine, the next year was a wild hormonal adventure.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has infinitely worth it. If I could go back, the only thing I would change would be starting the journey much sooner. My story is much more in depth, but I hope this can give a glimpse into who’s behind the brand.
I am so grateful to have such an amazing supportive family and group of friends. I am grateful to be alive to share my story and my art from the heart. I am grateful for each individual who buys, interacts with, or shares my art. It means the world to me. Thank YOU
Age 23, Age 25, Age 29, Age 31
