Fighting for Equality

Our newest shirt: "Community:You're Not Alone"

Tyler Clementi, if you haven't heard yet, is one of many teens who have taken their own life recently as a result of anti-queer bullying. While the reasons that the media and the world has suddenly taken notice of the idea of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) youth committing suicide is up for debate (salon.com has a great take on it here), many are asking "What can we do about it?"

Well, there are a few things. You can make a video for the Dan Savage-created project "It Gets Better" and post it up on YouTube to let people know that it gets better. There is a huge community growing and it's inspiring to know that there IS a huge community out there and that it DOES get better.

For Monkey + Seal, we decided that beyond bullying, we need to change our culture of intolerance for the LGBTQ community, youths in particular. So, we've decided to do what we do best (make art), and donate 100% of the proceeds to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). The NCLR has a deceptive name - they don't just fight for lesbians, but are actually on the forefront of nearly every major legal battle that sets monumental precedents to pave the way for equal rights for LGBTQ individuals. They are setting the stage to make laws that protect (not harm) the LGBTQ community, and (in our opinion) will make the structural change necessary to make it safe for everyone to live in their own skin. Pick up your shirt today right here!

Thus, we are pleased to present our newest t-shirt design, "Community: You're Not Alone."
The design large pink triangle made up of smaller, pink triangles of various shapes and sizes is meant to represent the queer community's diversity of ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and body types. The solitary pink triangle is the individual, who feels isolated and alone, when the reality is that there is a large community to stand with - it's just a matter of finding them and reaching out.

You are not alone and believe us - it does get better. If you or someone close to you are feeling like you can't go on, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433.