How to show symbolic support for the GLBT community

I can't go to protests due to medical reasons -- can't be out for long hours at a time.

But there are other ways to show support. Buy symbols from GLBT sellers. It can be car magnets, stickers, wristbands, even ID tag neckchains if you have to wear badges at work.

I did a search and found a few wonderful sites:
http://www.rainbowdepot.com

Wristbands:
http://www.gayintostraightamerica.com/
http://www.collectorsparadise.com/nraleprbrwrh.html
http://www.gayprideband.com/
http://www.craftsnscraps.com/awareness/wristbands.html


Some straight people may be too embarrassed to wear these symbols, fearing that others will think they're gay. So what? I'm straight but if people want to assume I'm gay, that's OK because it should not matter.

Spread the word, and encourage others to do it. If you can afford it, buy extra bracelets or stickers or car magnets and hand it out to friends and family who are willing to display it.

If you can't attend a protest rally or other event, this is a quick and easy way to demonstrate support for the GLBT community. If there's something good that could come out of this Prop 8 tragedy, it's the igniting of a fierce and passionate campaign for basic civil & human rights for ALL people.


Please keep this thread kicked, so people will see it.

I'll buy 50.

:crazy:

This is a great idea for those who can't protest but want to show their support.

were going to be getting together to make signs

It's on Ebay, and you'll need a paypal account to access it.
http://stores.ebay.com/Peruvian-Jewelry-Wholesale

Their rainbow store link is
http://stores.ebay.com/Peruvian-Jewelry-Wholesale_Rainbow_W0QQfsubZ10024106

I really like their beaded bracelet.


you can get 50 of these for $12.90 + $4.60/shipping. Or 100 for $19.90 + $5.60/shipping. Since it's shipped directly from Peru, it will take 1-2 weeks to arrive. It's perfect for distributing at meetings, protests, giving to friends and family.

There are other rainbow bracelets as well, but I really like this simple beads-on-a-string design. I guess any beader could make something like this at home, but if you can't, this is a great alternative.

and will mail (for free) some to DU'ers who can't afford to buy right now. Will post again about it when the package arrives. If others with means can do the same, we could have a major groundswell of support, just from this simple gesture.

Another thing I like about that site. There's some stunning jewelry made by Peruvian craftsman/craftswomen and the seller claims to be a fair trade advocate.

I just bid on ten.

And thanks for starting this thread.

for equality.

http://blue4equality.com/

Electric Window Candle, with 8 hr timer switch. $4 (edited to add, $5/shipping)
http://www.aidsquiltri.org/blue_candle_store.htm


Blue Votive Size Z-Lite Candle with Flicker. $2.79
http://www.littlebrightlights.com/site/1435548/product/LL2047
(sorry, could not post image from website. But it's kinda cute, can sit in a volite candle container ($1.49) which they also sell.

Or hang blue string lights on your window.
http://www.littlebrightlights.com/site/1435548/product/AC-100B

While searching this, I found out that blue light is a symbol for supporting victims of child abuse. And it is also a symbol for finding a cure for AIDS.

One blue light = three important causes.

I'm looking at the web sites now!

we need to get this message out.

Apparently there are fires all over the place out here! (Los Angeles)

Makes it hard to breathe.

I will check out your links, thank you!

the tv images are really scary ... i can't imagine being in that area, it must be terrifying.

But, I'm no where near any of the fires.

There are so many fires and the smoke is so bad it's everywhere.

No one can avoid it!

And thank you, yes I'll be safe.

:hi:

That if you wear these, there are people who will assume you're gay -- and, depending where you are, you could be in danger.

The actions of the Mormon Church, the Catholic Church, and the Fundies have given thugs permission to gay bash -- and they will do it just on the assumption that you're gay. I expect gay bashing to increase because of this.

A friend and I were threatened by a car full of goons on the street in supposedly gay-friendly Palm Springs the other night. Neither of us was wearing any "gay" ID and were just walking down the street talking.

It may be worse in other places.

So, thanks for your support and your concern, but please be aware of the possible consequences. Your safety is the most important thing.

I feel safe wearing it because i work in an academic environment and Baltimore is fairly progressive. And I couldn't care less if people thought I was gay.

But there are some parts of the country where the hatred is very powerful, and you could get hurt. Thanks for reminding us about this.

Has "Straight But Not Narrow" and "Celebrate Diversity" buttons and bumperstickers. I like to buy from them, because they're a very progressive company. http://www.northernsun.com/n/s/index.html



eta: I've been mistaken for a lesbian many times - I'm a big woman with short hair and tattoos, and an amazing number of people still believe in that stereotype. Can't say it bothers me a bit, unless it's by some really cute straight guy I'm attracted to...but since I'm rarely interested in bedding strangers that doesn't happen often.

I'd like for my husband to have something, but the first time my southern man is hit on, he may just go bezerk... Personally, I find it flattering to be hit on by good looking men and women, a little ego boost for someone who often feels like a wife/ mother with little time for attention to details like make-up and hair.

straights being afraid to wear one of the symbols. I can't TELL you how many times I've joined in on chants, "We're queer and we're here!" Really, the threat of others mistaking us as gay is SO not an issue.