Pride is a celebration of people, open hearts, inclusion and equality.
Pride is also a protest. The movement – which formalized in 1969 – was a fight for equality, and today we are still fighting for those rights. Just this year alone in Canada we fought to abolish conversation therapy. It’s 2020 and although we are still not free to love openly around the world, myself and many others want you to know that no matter what your hardships are, that you are LOVED.
This year, to continue that sentiment, I’ve once again partnered with Local Laundry to create a shirt to remind you, 365 days a year, just how LOVED. you are.
To honour the history and craftsmanship of the iconic rainbow flag and the people behind it (Gilbert Baker, Lynn ‘Faerie’ Segerblom, and James McNamara to name a few) each of these Local Laundry shirts will involve community and a ‘hands on’ approach to produce them; just as the first rainbow flag did in 1978.
Not only will every shirt will be cut and sewn by hand, its 6 colour rainbow LOVED. image will be applied by a team of 3-4 people using a silk screen technique.
From milling to dying, cutting to sewing and even the printing, this year’s LL x LOVED. shirts will see over 25-30 people use a hands-on approach bringing each one to life.
Additionally, the ultra soft material for this shirt (bamboo cotton) will be harvested by a team, working in safe and secure working environments which adhere to important Canadian labour and environmental laws.
The 2020 LL x LOVED. shirts’ construction and the rainbow colours it bares truly honour those who gathered in San Francisco to create the iconic flag for the ‘Gay Freedom Day Parade’ as a symbol of inclusion and hope.
“I wanted a full spectrum rainbow. I wanted all the colours. And for me It meant everybody is included. EVERYBODY.” – Lynn Segerblom in reference to the colours of the Pride Flag.
This year’s Local Laundry x LOVED. shirt will be available for purchase across Canada with $15 from each shirt being donated to Rainbow Railroad: An organization focused on providing solutions for LGBTQI people who need immediate assistance because they are facing a serious threat to their lives and safety.
You can purchase you LL x LOVED. shirt HERE!
Mr. Fab
