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Don't Say Straight

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Share Your Talents.

We are seeking LGBTQ+ artists and allies who work in all mediums (performance, visual art, fashion, music, and more!) for upcoming Don't Say Straight events on the Monterey Peninsula. Fill out the form HERE to get involved. All are welcome!

How It Started

Don't Say Straight began as a T-shirt by artist Paul Richmond, designed to take a stand against Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act with an ironic twist on words. All proceeds from the shirt are being donated to Equality Florida, an organization taking legal action to overturn the 'Don't Say Gay' law.  "What I like about wearable art is that I can raise money for the cause and simultaneously empower other people to take that message and carry it," said Richmond.

The Movement

Collaborating with fashion designer Domini Anne illuminated a much bigger potential for this campaign. What if artists and activists all over the country took the idea and ran with it as she is doing with her Don't Say Straight collection? Visit Domini's website here and reach out to her for more details if you would like to own one of her pieces.

Your Turn.

In the spirit of collaboration, this Pride season we are offering the official Don't Say Straight design to you free of charge as a high resolution download in multiple formats. Make your own wearable or hangable art. Host an exhibit in your community. Print posters to carry in your Pride parade or design a Don't Say Straight float! Stickers! Patches! The possibilities are endless. This message has proven to resonate, and our hope is that it will echo from coast to coast with your help. Share your contributions by using the hashtag #DontSayStraight. Click the image below to access the free download.

The Cause

We are offering this design at no cost, but we ask that you consider making a contribution to an LGBTQ+ charity. Three great options are linked below. Lambda Legal serves the queer community  through impact litigation, societal education, and public policy work. Both the Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline provide support services for at-risk queer youth, and they are being flooded now because of the harmful impact of bigoted laws and rhetoric.

 

 

 

 

The Exhibition

Queer artists and allies in Monterey, California are taking a stand against homophobia and transphobia with a new group exhibition at Monterey History & Art Association: Salvador Dalí Exhibition. 
 
In response to the surreal wave of legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ people across the country, Don’t Say Straight is a call to action. Attempts to erase our community must be met with resounding and impenetrable queer visibility. Never has diverse representation been more important in all facets of society and culture. 
 
This exhibition brings together queer artists and allies from the Monterey Peninsula who stand firmly in their identities and use their creative voices to speak truth - and pride. A diverse group of artists, including painters, sculptors, fashion designers, photographers, and more - are unified in this show under one guiding principle: representation matters. 
 
See this powerful collection June 4 - July 31 at Monterey History & Art Association: Salvador Dalí Exhibition, located at 5 Custom House Plaza. Museum is open daily at 11 am. A public reception will take place July 13. Get tickets here.