Not only does Lush make amazing, ethically-sourced and made products, but the company is also vocal on various political and social issues. Lush has a history of making products whose proceeds go directly to various charities or campaigns. Now, they are launching a campaign called #TransRightsAreHumanRights, which is specifically to educate customers about the trans community and how to be an ally.
The campaign is being launched today with the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and the National Center for Transgender Equality, with an overall goal to raise $450,000. The company is selling the Inner Truth Bath Melt in which all of the purchase price will go to organizations that advocate for trans rights. They have also created an online resource for allies and the trans community as well as pocket manuals that will be given to customers in North American stores.
The company states, “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 an even larger effort to educate allies about trans rights, the Lush stores will display quotes about trans identity on all of their windows. A video series will also be released which will include short documentaries of trans allies speaking on how to be a support system and create a better community.
Carleen Pickard, the Ethical Campaigns Specialist at Lush Cosmetics North America, told Teen Vogue, “We are a diverse group of people with one thing in common — advocating for human rights. It’s important for us to listen to our staff and find out what issues they are most passionate about. Transgender rights has consistently been at the top of the list. As an inclusive employer that champions equality, we simply couldn’t stand by.”
“We needed to shed light on these daily discriminations and work to advance and secure their basic rights,” Pickard continued. “What’s really special about this campaign is that our transgender and non-binary colleagues have genuinely impacted every aspect of it, from providing guidance and sharing personal experiences to educating us on how to become better allies to the community, ultimately creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.”
This campaign is revolutionary and arguably the biggest one Lush has done. Lush is dedicated to not only educating their customers and supporting the trans community, but also to influencing policy change in our government. They have provided an amazing example on how to be ally by not only providing unconditional support, but also taking legitimate action to make a change in the world.