American Apparel Launches "Make America Gay Again"

LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American Apparel, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and The Ally Coalition (TAC) have launched "Make America Gay Again" (or "MAGA"), a campaign that supports LGBTQ equality in partnership with The Ally Coalition and The Human Rights Campaign ("HRC"). American Apparel is producing limited-edition t-shirts and tanks available to customers starting on June 6th to benefit the cause. The merchandise, which features phrases including "Make America Gay Again" and "Make America LGBTQ Again" will be sold at American Apparel stores, AmericanApparel.com/MakeAmericaGayAgain and HRC.org beginning June 2016. Thirty percent of sales from the campaign will support the Equality Act and the fight to end LGBTQ discrimination. MAGA will also engage the public with web video content and in-store events featuring notable members of the LGBTQ and ally community.

Thus far in 2016, more than 30 states in the U.S. have already introduced legislation that jeopardizes job opportunities, health and safety for LGBTQ individuals. Jack Antonoff, notable musician who co-founded The Ally Coalition with his sister, fashion designer Rachel Antonoff, remarked: "Rachel and I founded The Ally Coalition to inspire fans to take action for LGBTQ Equality. During a year where LGBTQ rights are being threatened all over the states, everyone is responsible for coming together and challenging these injustices. I'm proud that The Ally Coalition is joining with American Apparel and The Human Rights Campaign to #MakeAmericaGayAgain."

"Today, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services in a majority of states simply because of who they are. That's why we are fighting to pass the Equality Act -- legislation that will protect LGBTQ people under our federal civil rights laws," added HRC Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing Olivia Alair Dalton. "We are excited about our partnership with the Ally Coalition and American Apparel, which empowers people to subvert the politics of hate and division by creatively speaking out for the equal rights and dignity of LGBTQ people."

MAGA will share personal stories and videos to educate audiences and increase acceptance using videos which will be featured on social media and at AmericanApparel.com/MakeAmericaGayAgain.

The campaign will also include in-store events in Los Angeles and New York City, featuring top talent from the LGBTQ and ally community. Event dates are as follows:

6/8 Hollywood at Junior High Gallery presented by Funny Or Die
6/11 West Hollywood with Carmen Carrera
6/26 New York City with Jack and Rachel Antonoff

American Apparel, HRC and The Ally Coalition encourage the public to join the #MakeAmericaGayAgain / #MakeAmericaLGBTQAgain movement in a variety of ways:

Through purchasing product – 30% of sales from the campaign will support the Equality Act and the fight to end LGBTQ discrimination

Participating via social media by using the hashtags #MakeAmericaGayAgain and #MakeAmericaLGBTQAgain

Listening to the Make America Gay Again mixtape, curated by Jack Antonoff and inspired by songs that stand for equality – available exclusively on Pandora.com beginning on June 14. 

About American Apparel

American Apparel, LLC (the "Company") is a vertically-integrated manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded fashion-basic apparel based in downtown Los Angeles, California. As of June 1st, 2016, the Company operated 202 retail stores in 19 countries including the United States and Canada. The Company also operates a global e-commerce site that serves over 50 countries worldwide at http://www.americanapparel.com.

About Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community. For more information, please visit: http://www.hrc.org

About The Ally Coalition

The Ally Coalition believes it is the responsibility of all "allies" to use their voices and influence to fight discrimination against LGBTQ people. The Ally Coalition aims to have an across the board presence in music, fashion and entertainment and works with members from each community to raise both awareness and funds in support of LGBTQ equality. For more information please visit: http://theallycoalition.org/

SOURCE American Apparel

Related Links

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