UNITE!
UNITE!
UNITE!
UNITE!
UNITE!
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
This campaign is closed
UNITE!
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
The Power of Being Out
UNITE! is a shout to the world to recognize the power and beauty of being a gay person, for friends and strangers alike. UNITE! is a celebration of people and ideas joining together. It is the power of being out. Most of all, it is about you- who you are, where you came from, and what you have to say. UNITE! begins with a simple act that becomes a powerful gesture- a turquoise colored ring you wear on your wedding band finger. What it represents is unique to each wearer, but what happens with the ring is critical- it starts conversation. The ring builds confidence, and spreads the word: Being gay is here to stay!
Objective: The establishment of an organization to promote LGBT equality and create a dialogue on gay rights at a local and national level. The center point of the foundation is the development and distribution of a turquoise colored ring, the UNITE! Ring, to be worn by individuals on their left hand ring finger. With increasing concerns about bullying and feelings of shame amongst LGBT and questioning youth, we need to join together to show them that their feelings are acceptable and that there is a community of people that support them.
The UNITE! Ring is to be a symbol of solidarity in the fight for social equality. The movement begins with the appropriation of the one of the most recognizable symbols of marriage, the wedding band, and re-coloring it to create a vibrant, eye catching icon that represents the individual wearers commitment to the cause of allowing equal rights for gay people. In return, the bright color of the ring creates awareness for the cause, as it is a constantly travelling declaration that supports gay equality. Most importantly, the ring is a catalyst for creating a dialogue amongst the wearer and a curious individual (For example: “What is that on your finger?” and the wearer can then explain its significance and their own views on gay rights). The ring is a colorful and powerful symbol that unites all those who want to establish equal rights for gay men and women.
We are currently looking to raise $2,000. Through fundraisers at the bar Cheer Up Charlie’s, we have raised $500. The rings are ordered through Toltec Traders and then are to be powder coated turquoise in Austin. We are looking to produce 300 rings and 100 t-shirts to start the UNITE! campaign. The funds generated from these initial sales would go to produce more UNITE! Rings and t-shirts.
Following numbers are rounded up:
300 Rings: $ 1,200.00
100 T-shirts: $ 500.00
Launch event: $ 300.00
Total: $2,000.00
We are looking to raise beyond our goal. That means we can purchase more rings and establish trademarks and possible fees for eventually becoming a non-profit organization. Our future goals are to establish a foundation that distributes rings through a web store and in shops, and works as a educational and community building organization. Currently, UNITE! is donating 15% of its proceeds to Out Youth, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and provide services to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 12 to 19. They offer peer support groups, counseling, educational programs, social activities and community outreach.
A contribution of $10 gets you a UNITE! Ring. A contribution of $25 or more gets you a UNITE! Ring and t shirt. $100 or more gets you a UNITE! Ring, t-shirt and limited edition poster. If you live in Austin we can get you a massage too!
Start talking, share your story and express your opinions! That's what the UNITE! Ring is about.