WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has unveiled a collaboration with rugby superstar Ben Cohen, MBE to encourage everyone to come out and stand up for LGBT equality.
Known for his athletic prowess and status as a gay icon, Ben Cohen is a champion on and off the rugby pitch. Having successfully led England to a World Cup Championship, Cohen gave up at the height of his career to focus entirely on combating homophobia and ending bullying. “Every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love and be loved, and to be happy,” said Ben Cohen, when speaking of the importance of standing up, coming out and making a difference. Cohen is the first straight professional athlete to dedicate his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of the LGBT community.
In celebration of the strong partnership between the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation and the Human Rights Campaign, the T-shirt features a re-working of the StandUp logo to include the HRC logo as well as the empowering message: “Stand Up For Equality” printed on the front. On the back, the words “Special Edition” are printed between an HRC logo and Ben’s signature.
100 percent of the proceeds from the T-shirt will support HRC’s and Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation’s shared commitment to ending bullying, tackling homophobia and realizing full LGBT equality. The T-shirts will be sold at HRC Stores in Provincetown, Mass.; San Francisco, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; and online at shop.hrc.org. They are constructed of 100 percent cotton and retail for $35. Only 1,000 T-shirts will be produced.
Thank God for Ben Cohen. He has dealt with personal adversity and come back stronger than ever. I look forward to purchasing your 2013 Calendar. Question: Do you ever take a bad picture. Ben ?!