AA Capitalizes on Controversy with 'Legalize Gay' T-Shirts

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Project Legalize Gay 3

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sourced by Blaine Metzgar

Shortly after a Vancouver mother caused a small uproar over finding a BUTT magazine featuring, among other things, gay pornography in an American Apparel, one would think that the company would keep the rest of their BUTT stock discreetly behind the counter and move on. However, the company is not one known to be built on chastely conservative values and has instead been lauded by the mainstream and underground media alike for its stance on the situation and its refusal to stop selling the magazine.

On their website AA has capitalized on the the controversy by upping advertisements and donating their line of 'Legalize Gay' t-shirts.

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American Apparel 'Legalize Gay' T-Shirt

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From the site: "American Apparel believes that sexuality should be celebrated, not condemned. But Proposition 8 is just that, a condemnation of the basic right of marriage of an entire group of people based on their sexuality. We're proud to stand against Prop 8 and what it represents. In November of 2008 our Legalize Gay shirt was originally printed to give to protesters at rallies and marches. The response was so overwhelming that we had more made and distributed them to our stores and put them up online."

Original NowPublic story: http://my.nowpublic.com/style/vancouver-american-apparel-store-fined-displaying-butt-porn

AA 'Legalize Gay' site: http://www.americanapparel.net/legalizegay/

BUTT magazine: http://www.buttmagazine.com/

Press on the subject (from the 'Press' section on the AA website):

American Apparel continues to sell BUTT magazine; reiterates its support for gay shoppers Edge New England
March 6, 2009 "Legalize Gay" says American Apparel aqueerance.com
February 23, 2009 American Apparel reconfirms its support for Butt magazine Xtra.ca
March 1, 2009 Cheers to American Apparel for not giving in Wicked Gay Blog
March 6, 2009 American Apparel backs Butt magazine Xtra.ca
January 24, 2009 American Apparel selling "Legalize Gay: Repeal Prop 8 Now" shirt AfterElton
February 10, 2009 American Apparel: "BUTT" We Support Gays! GayAgenda
January 18, 2009 Butt We Love Our American Apparel Tres Fab Sweetie
January 19, 2009 The Butt Magazine Controversy GayCalgary
March 2009