Shops / New and exciting
Gay is Okay
“It’s 2015 and there’s still inequality. We’re one race, the human race, and we should be looking after each other,” Nel Pearce, supervisor of the Lush store in Broadmead, told Bristol24/7, as she explained the aims of Lush’s #GayIsOk campaign to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities worldwide.
The cosmetics company has launched new Love Soap in collaboration with the LGBT organisation All Out. The profit on each bar of soap sold will go towards supporting LGBT groups globally.
is needed now More than ever
In 80 countries around the world, being gay is a crime. By posing the question, ‘What if your love was illegal?’ Lush hopes to get people thinking about simple human rights.
In the shop in Broadmead, staff encouraged customers to write their thoughts on post-it notes, which were pegged to a rainbow print washing line.
“We’ve had a hugely positive reaction,” Nel said. “It’s been really nice to see so many young people getting behind us and this cause in particular.”
Lush have created a gold, glittery soap embossed with #GayIsOk to raise the money, which has been very well received by so-called ‘lushaholics’.
Post-it notes supporting the cause surround the store front
“It’s a happy soap, uplifting,” Nel said after describing the natural ingredients, “I’ve personally bought about seven bars!”
Nel has been leading the campaign in Lush’s Broadmead store, and the cause is close to home. Two years ago, her father was finally able to marry his life partner of 30 years in a registry office before he passed away last Valentine’s Day.
Nel wants more people to be able to demonstrate their love for each other through marriage, and believes churches should perform same-sex marriages: “there should be so much more love in this world – it doesn’t matter where it comes from.”
Nel poses with the Love Soap
The campaign coincided with Bristol Pride Week, which began at the weekend and will culminate in the annual Pride Parade on July 11.
Lush aimed to raise £250,000 during #GayIsOkay, £50,000 of which will go to LGBT organisation All Out. The remainder will be allocated to grassroots LBGT charities across the world, who will be able to bid for up to £10,000 via All Out’s website.
Nel stressed the importance of this international perspective: “We’re trying to reach the corners of the earth where people are fighting for equality every single day.”
It remains to be seen whether LGBT charities in Bristol will benefit.
