aqueerance.com

  “Legalize Gay” Shirt from American Apparel

American Apparel has made a fantastic shirt that, as one of the sales girls in the Newbury St. Boston store says, “is selling REALLY well. Everyone seems to love it.” The shirt is a standard American Apparel T-shirt with the words “Legalize Gay” written in a dated, vintage style font. Some of the T’s also have the words “Repeal Prop 8 Now!” These shirts were originally created by AmAp for the Repeal Prop 8 March in Downtown LA, California in November of 2008, directly following the passing of said Prop in the November election. They come in such gay colors as purple on pink, purple on army, white on teal, purple on red and a few other!

So, I bought the shirt in army and purple. I’m gay, it’s true. I’m also from California and voted in the November election AGAINST Prop 8, a lot of good that did! (I joke.) But, even though I was not part of the march in LA, I now have a piece of history and also a little visibility.

All the way back in the summer (of 2008) I made my own shirt in support of equal rights marriages in California. It was simple and I only bought one, which means only one was ever printed, but at the time marriage was legal for all including same-sex couples. I was rejoicing and planned to wear the shirt in a local Pride parade. Sadly I bought the shirt a bit too big and gave it to my sister, but I think that she wears it more than I ever would, so YAY! for visibility.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Be visible, have an aqueerance, and support companies who are helping in the cause! Maybe you can start by getting one of those fantastic “Legalize Gay” AmAp shirts.

To find more companies besides American Apparel who are queer friendly visit the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) “Buying Guide for Equality 2009″ and help support companies who support us!