Queer Collective Launches Bold New T-Shirt to Support Trans Rights Legal Fund
Authored By: Paige Hughes
If you’re looking for the UK version of the “Protect The Dolls” tee – you’ve found it.
Feeling disheartened, concerned and powerless in the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling, a queer-led collective decided to do something about it.
Read on to learn more…
Development Lead at Proud Changemakers, Paige Hughes celebrates Trans people and shows solidarity in the official “Me & T” shirt.
A group of friends and colleagues based in the Northwest have mobilised and utilised their skills and resources to design and launch a new Tshirt – which stands in solidarity with the trans community. All profits from the sales will be directly donated to the Good Law Project’s Trans Fighting Fund.
The T-shirt launch comes at a time when trans rights are under increasing political and legal pressure. The Trans Fighting Fund helps cover the legal costs of individuals and cases pushing back against unjust policies and defending trans lives in court.
The Good Law Project has stated it believes the UK is “now in breach of its obligations under the Human Rights Act and the European Convention of Human Rights”, and they have created a heavyweight legal team to challenge the ruling.
The shirt, which features the powerful message “Me & T” has been designed by successful Creative Director, Jodi Fox. In line with their values, the Tshirt is ethically-sourced and firmly rooted in the queer community as it is being produced and sold by the award-winning LGBTQ+ apparel brand - Rainbow & Co.
Jamie Lowe, a Chartered Financial Advisor and Managing Director of Trans Support Hub CIC has led the endeavour:
“After seeing the success of the Protect The Dolls Tee in the states, we wanted to co-create something within our own community that would provide people in the UK with something to show their solidarity and directly support the legal fighting fund, without a huge cost to them.
It allows allies to show where they stand, and signal they are a safe space for trans people, whilst speaking loudly to trans people. It says – we see you, we are with you, and we’ve got you”.
Jamie Lowe (he/him), the Managing Director of Trans Support Hub CIC wears the Me&T shirt in black.
Alongside Jodi, Adam and Jamie, the collective includes a range of LGBTQ+ professionals and allies across a range of sectors including charity, business development, consulting and health.
The collective includes Proud Changemakers very own Paige Hughes, who has been an outspoken cis ally for Trans people in the wake of the ruling, and in the launch of her LGBTQ+ wellbeing business - The Alternative.
Paige said:
“Trans people are under attack, and cis people need to step up, especially those who are part of the community - I feel strongly that it is an obligation, and necesarry to TAKE back the rights that are being stripped from some of the most marginalised people in society.
I absolutely love being on the team at Proud Changemakers, and it’s been a privilege to extend this activism further by working with another amazing collective of people to make this happen. Cis people - we are needed, let’s stand by our Trans community unapologetically!”
The collective, and this campaign is a strong statement in a divisive time – queer communities will continue to use art, design and activism to uplift and empower change, as they have throughout history.
More than just a piece of clothing, the Tshirt is a call to action – the queer community won’t stand for this, and they will use their resources to work alongside their respected allies to fight back.
The T-shirt is available now at - https://rainbowandco.uk/products/me-t-trans-solidarity-shirt
Supporters are encouraged to share their photos wearing the shirt using the hashtag #MeAndT, helping spread the message and raise further awareness. 100% of profits will be donated to the Good Law Project’s Trans Fighting Fund.