Today, Lush is launching a NATIONAL campaign and our hearts have NEVER BEEN so full. As you know, Lush is an inclusive company where All Are Welcome, Always. We are also a group of activists using our platform to educate and raise awareness on issues close to our heart: the environment, animals and human rights. As soon as some of our transgender colleagues told us about the challenges and discriminations they face, we could no longer stay silent. That is why today, February 15th, we are launching our #TransRightsAreHumanRights campaign.
GET READY TO RUN TO LUSH because an exclusive bath melt, Inner Truth ($5.95), is hitting digital and retail shelves. 100% of the purchase price (minus the taxes), will be donated to the organizations working to advance and secure transgender rights. Our goal is to raise $450,000!
As a sign of solidarity, all 250 Lush shop windows will be stripped of the bright, beautiful displays Lush has become known for in favor of stark quotes about transgender identity, straight from the mouths of our staff (photo below). From facing homelessness to living in fear of being abused just because of who they are, our windows will show the true picture of what it means to be transgender in 2018.
While there have been small strides made to advance the rights of transgender people, there is still so much work to be done. We hope our campaign will spark conversations and educate all of us how to become better allies to the transgender and non-binary community. It is up to all of us to raise awareness on the discriminations and dangers transgender people, including our employees, face every day.
In partnership with the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and the National Center for Transgender Equality, Lush (recently ranked one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity) will do the following as part of their North American campaign:
Seek to raise $450,000 for organizations fighting to advance and secure rights for transgender people via limited-edition Inner Truth Bath Melt ($5.95). 100 percent of the purchase price (minus the taxes) will go directly to campaign partners and other Charity Pot organizations supporting the trans community
Launch lush.ca/en/transrights to provide digital hub for potential allies, allies, and the trans/questioning community to access resources. This will continue to live beyond the campaign.
Distribute 75,000 ‘How To Be An Ally’ Pocket Manuals in shops to help guide cisgender people in becoming stronger louder allies
Host community events with local allies in 16 shops in Canada and the United States
Use Snapchat (@lushfreshsnaps) exclusively during campaign to provide tips and resources for transgender/questioning youth
Release series of eye-opening short documentaries uncovering the real experiences of trans allies to build a more informed and accepting society
Encourage audiences to use custom ‘Trans Rights Are Human Rights’ Facebook frame to show their solidarity
Since Lush’s humble beginnings more than 20 years ago, we’ve stood for inclusivity. We’ve used our storefronts, shops and websites to highlight humanitarian issues that impact our friends at home and abroad. From welcoming refugees to North America to campaigning for marriage equality, we believe in standing up for what’s right, and taking action even when it would be easier to stay quiet and stick to selling soap.
This is Lush and I’ve never been more proud to work here.
