Lush and All Out campaign for LGBT equality around the world and raise money to support global activists.
There is no country in the world where lesbian, gay, bi and/or transgender people have full equality. As a result LGBT equality work, especially in places it is most needed, is massively underfunded.
To help combat this, Lush shops are kicking off the #GayIsOk campaign where they will be asking their customers "What if your love was illegal?" and encouraging them to post a selfie with the fundraising product – a gold soap scented with Lush’s Love fragrance – telling the world why they think #GayIsOk.
All proceeds of the aptly named Love Soap ($5.95 for 120g bar) will go to support grassroots LGBT equality groups all over the world. By sharing the campaign on social media, supporters will help to raise awareness of the issue. The #GayIsOk campaign aims to raise £250,000 through proceeds of the soap sales and LGBT groups will be encouraged to apply for a grant through All Out’s website.
"This is a historic time for LGBT rights, as countries across the globe begin to legalize gay marriage, but there’s still a long way to go" said the Director of Brand Communications at Lush Brandi Halls. "We believe that love should not be a crime for anyone and we will continue to fight for global equality."
All Out Executive Director, Andre Banks, adds, "All Out’s 2.2 million members organize every day to build a world where no person has to sacrifice their freedom or dignity because of who they are or who they love. Thanks to Lush, we’ll make sure that millions more know about this human rights crisis – and provide desperately needed funds to groups fighting for love and equality around the world."
Lush’s #GayIsOk campaign will run in 825 Lush shops and online from June 25th- July 4th, kicking off with a 24-hour marathon of activities around the globe. Show your support by using the hashtag #GayIsOk and purchasing a bar of Love soap online or at your local Lush shop.
Why are we communicating this message? In some parts of the world, equality has made huge leaps forwards in the past few years. But in others, we're taking steps back.
- In 76 countries, it’s a crime to be gay. In 10 it can cost you your life
- There is no country in the world where lesbian, gay, bi and/or trans people have full equality
- 2.8 billion people live in countries where living openly means sacrificing your family, freedom, safety or dignity
In 2013 and 2014, Lush launched the Sign Of Love campaign to raise awareness for global gay rights. #GayIsOK is the next step in our continued commitment towards equality.
By taking action on an All Out campaign, here are some of the things you’re fighting for:
- Ending laws that make it illegal to be gay
- Protecting all families
- Stopping anti-gay and anti-trans discrimination and violence
- Letting all people self-identify their gender without fear -
- Enabling lesbian, gay, bi, and/or trans people, and their friends and family, to speak out for equality openly and freely
Join the conversation! @Lushcosmetics @allout #GayIsOK
