Lush Cosmetics and All Outs’ #GayIsOK movement encourages LGBT groups fighting for equality to apply for a Love Fund grant!
This summer, Lush Cosmetics stores worldwide in partnership with All Out launched the #GayIsOk campaign where customers were encouraged to purchase and pose with a bar of Love Soap—a gold and glittery charitable soap embossed with the viral #GayIsOk hashtag. With the aid of the limited edition sweet-smelling soap, Lush aspired to raise awareness and support for LGBT rights in countries where it is illegal to be gay by asking customers to post selfies with the soap explaining why they support the cause. The week-long campaign took the world by storm resulting in over 40 million uses of the #gayisok hashtag and 100,000 soaps sold, raising $564,000 (CAD) in profits for a ‘Love Fund’ that will be distributed as grants to grassroots organizations across the world fighting for rights, equality and acceptance.
The Love Fund aims to attract applications from groups working in areas where anti-LGBT laws are harsh and extreme and where funding is in short supply. Groups who are trying to bring the focus of society, governments and legislators onto this topic are strongly urged to apply by October 31, 2015. $104,241 (CAD) will be donated to LGBT rights organization All Out for their worldwide campaigning efforts. The remaining funds will be distributed in grants up to $20,220 (CAD).
"Time and again we’ve seen how, with enough resources, activists do incredible work to change laws and shift hearts and minds towards full equality," said Andre Banks, Executive Director and co-founder of All Out, a global organization with over 2 million members. "Too often, activists are isolated and underfunded, but the #GayIsOK campaign has brought a massive new audience to their work and also crucial funds to help them succeed."
To learn about how LGBT groups can apply for grants visit www.lush.co.uk/tag/gayisok
About All Out
In 75 countries, it is a crime to be gay; in 10 it can cost you your life. All Out is mobilizing millions of people and their social networks to build a powerful global movement for love and equality. All Out challenges discriminatory laws, shifts attitudes in every region and delivers desperately needed resources to frontline activists risking their lives each day to stand up for love and equality. All Out is an international organization, with staff in New York City, Boston, London, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Belo Horizonte.
About LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are purveyors of good, clean fun. They offer luxurious and ethical skincare, haircare and bath indulgences, as well as unique gifts filled with fragrant and effective products. 2015 marks Lush’s 20th anniversary of creating innovative cosmetics using fresh fruits and vegetables, the finest essential oils and ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Never tested on animals, every single Lush product is vegetarian, and about 85 % are vegan, 40% preservative-free and 35% unpackaged. Lush supports Fair Trade, Community Trade and charitable initiatives and follows the simple policy: have the least possible impact on the environment while still producing beautiful and effective products.
Lush has more than 230 locations across North America. Learn more at www.lushusa.com/ www.lush.ca
