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American Apparel believes that sexuality should be celebrated, not condemned. But Proposition 8 is just that, a condemnation of the basic right of marriage of an entire group of people based on their sexuality. We're proud to stand against Prop 8 and what it represents. In November of 2008 our Legalize Gay shirt was originally printed to give to protesters at rallies and marches. The response was so overwhelming that we had more made and distributed them to our stores and put them up online.
With many of our employees and customers identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, we are a company that is vocal about our support for the protection of gay rights. Scores of our employees were on the frontlines of protests in Los Angeles, handing out hundreds of Legalize Gay t-shirts to supporters, and we have donated over $17,000 worth of these shirts to protestors, Harvey Milk High School in New York City and local gay-interest businesses. We plan on donating at least 1,000 more to organizations that support marriage equality, and are currently discussing potential projects with GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco. When some people wanted us to stop carrying BUTT Magazine, an important gay culture publication, we refused to back down and continue stocking it in all of our stores today. Gay newsprint Xtra!'s managing editor Matt Mills supported our decision in an editorial:
That's why it's so wonderful to read in this issue about the recent flap over American Apparel's support of Butt magazine. When the story first broke in the mainstream I was sure I knew the outcome. American Apparel would pull Butt from its stores, issue an apology to its customers and fire some poor schmo from the purchasing department.
Sometimes what we do is controversial and not everyone agrees with our opinion. We hope that you can understand that we're sincere about this and that we think it's important, just like we are about Legalize LA.
Instead it called Butt "a wonderful fashion, culture and art magazine," acknowledged that it was a hot seller and said it would continue to offer it to its customers. American Apparel handled the objection and hysterical mainstream media coverage rationally and brilliantly. It's so encouraging that a large US retailer is willing to embrace sexual expression - gay sexual expression - not only as a moral and aesthetic act of goodness but also as a singularly effective marketing tool. News
National Coming Out Day at Tufts11/09/2009  Students at Tufts University celebrated National Coming Out Day with Legalize Gay t-shirts. Stanford Students Storm Class 11/04/2009  Stanford University students staged dramatic protests during lectures in reaction of the passage of Maine's Question 1. Read more Maine Rejects Same-Sex Marriage Law 11/04/2009 In a disappointing turn, voters in Maine repealed the law to legalize same-sex marriage, which Governor John Baldacci signed in May. Read more National Equality March in D.C. 10/12/2009   Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington D.C. yesterday for the National Equality March. President Obama addressed the HRC over the weekend promising to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. However, we must continue to keep our voices heard on this important civil rights issue for DOMA to be repealed and for equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. More pictures Read more in the L.A. Times Watch video on Daily Contributor Watch this video of the Gay Men's Choir of Washington D.C. performing at the rally in Legalize Gay t-shirts. American Apparel donated Legalize Gay t-shirts to the Gay Men's Chorus as well as blank t-shirts for the event volunteers. Legalize Gay and the Gay Men's Choir of Washington D.C. 10/02/2009 We're gearing up for the National Equality March and American Apparel donated Legalize Gay t-shirts to outfit the Gay Men's Choir of Washington DC for their performance at the rally. Here are some of their heartfelt thank you letters. Dear American Apparel, Thank you for American Apparel's support of marriage equality. I'm very pleased to hear you're not backing down in the face of controversy, including after the vandalism at your Silver Spring, Maryland, store and threats to stores and employees in the DC area (but please increase security so your employees can be and feel safe). I sing with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC. I understand that you're donating "Legalize Gay" T shirts for us to wear as we sing at the Equality Across America rally. THANK YOU! Please forward this email (with or without my name) to your DC area stores so they will know their support has been noticed and appreciated. I will not forget American Apparel's support. Rick D. Washington, DC Read more "Walking while Gay..." 08/04/2009 Writer and blogger Lee Wind writes about the reactions he got when he spent the day wearing his "Legalize Gay" t-shirt. Read more Legalize Gay in the News 07/22/09 From OutFront Colorado: We applaud American Apparel for refusing to bend to the will of cowards who would stand in the way of freedom of expression and advocacy for equality. We appreciate the company's outright support for marriage equality and for the LGBT community as a whole. Don't give up the fight. On WJLA ABC 7: American Apparel responds to those who destroyed Legalize Gay window 07/21/09 Yesterday, an American Apparel store in Silver Spring, Maryland had a window broken by someone upset over the company's support for gay marriage. Our Georgetown location and others in the areas have received similar threats. We just wanted to use this forum here to announce that not only are they not going to prevent us from speaking out on an issue that is important to this company and our employees but we'll continue to run Legalize Gay advertisements in papers across the DC-Metro area. We'll also send Legalize Gay t-shirts to any group in Washington DC that is fighting for gay rights and will help support any protest or rally for the cause. We don't find this kind of thing funny and we definitely don't find it intimidating. Thanks to everyone who has reached out to us and if you need anything please contact: Jonny at jonnys@americanapparel.net or (213) 488-0226. American Apparel Offers Help to Gay Rights Groups in India 07/21/09 Delhi's High Court recently overturned a law criminalizing gay sex in India. American Apparel is putting out the call to help out pro gay right groups in India. Contact us at jonnys@americanapparel.net and we'll send out our "Legalize Gay" t-shirts to your group. Read more Washington, DC Recognizes Same-Sex Marriages Performed in Other States 07/07/09 Starting today, under a law approved in May, the District of Columbia began recognizing the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions. Read more New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage 06/03/09 New Hampshire became the sixth state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage today. Read more Legalize Gay at the GLAAD Media Awards 05/06/2009 American Apparel donated Legalize Gay T-shirts and gift cards for gift bags presented to attendees at the GLAAD Media Awards, which took place in Los Angeles on April 18, 2009. Maine Legalizes Gay Marriage 05/06/2009 Maine Governor John Baldacci signed Wednesday into law a bill legalizing gay marriage in the state. Read more Iowa Supreme Court Rules Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional 04/03/2009 Iowa's Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot prohibit same-sex couples from seeking marriage licenses. Read more Rally to Appeal Prop 8
National Protest Against Prop 8American Apparel employees handed out Legalize Gay t-shirts and marched through downtown LA with thousands of supporters.    More Images Letters of Support
07/22/09Hello, I just wanted to send a message to you to acknowledge how proud I am that a company of such success is standing by their position on such a contentious issue. Personally I find it revolting that a country that has evolved over hundreds of years still finds it acceptable to retain even the most basic rights, such as marriage, from any of its own citizens. Read More 7/21/09 Hey, I just wanted to say I am a straight male who is in complete support of everything you are doing. I wear my 'Legalize Gay' shirt with pride. I have many gay friends (including my girlfriends brother) and it makes me sick that things like this happen. I praise you and AA for everything you are doing and I would love to help in any way I can to support your cause. Thanks and keep up the good work. Joe 07/15/2009  I wanted to send you a belated thanks for sending us the Legalize Gay T-shirts they were a hit as an incentive for our survey! During Pride we had over 200 people fill out the survey at our booth then another 800 people filled have since filled it out at home. The American Apparel T-shirts were a great help! Read More Legalize Gay T-Shirt
 
Unisex Legalize Gay T-Shirt
 Available in 6 Colors 100% Fine Jersey cotton Durable rib neckband Monogram may vary in color
may include "Repeal Prop 8"
Legalize Gay
Promo  Print out this coupon and bring it to your nearest American Apparel. Not valid online. Gallery
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