What this initiative aims to do is provide funding to organizations and charities that directly affect the lives of trans people of color, and some of the most marginalized individuals within our community. When a “Progress Initiative” product is sold within the store, a portion of the profits will go towards these donations.
LGBTQ Freedom Fund
Each day, tens of thousands of LGBTQ people are held in jail or immigration detention because they cannot afford bail—for immigration status or charges like sleeping in public.
With your help, the LGBTQ Freedom Fund posts bail to secure their release and safety.
In tandem, we raise awareness of the epidemic of LGBTQ overincarceration. We strive towards a critical mass against mass detention.
Right now we are focusing on local organizations that directly impact our community.
Each purchase of a “Progress Initiative” item has 25% of its profits allocated towards the quarterly donation. When the quarter ends, the donation is tallied and then sent to the recipient.
We take out the cost of production and estimated taxes for the item leaving the profit. From there we take out the 25% donation and place it within the donation pool. Profits leftover from there are used to pay for the upkeep of the shop and business.
We are not a non-profit, but we still believe in giving back. It was our goal from the beginning to establish a connection within our community to provide for those who need it most.
Thanks for helping us donate to great organizations!
SMYRC (Sept-Dec 2018): Donation amount $370!
TRANS LIFELINE (Jan-Mar 2019): Donation amount $615!
THE TREVOR PROJECT (Apr-Jun 2019): Donation amount $1600!
THE LIVING ROOM (Jul-Sept 2019): Donation amount $825!
THE LIVING ROOM (Oct-Dec 2019): Donation amount $325!
THE LIVING ROOM (Jan-Mar 2020): Donation amount $140!
LGBTQ Freedom Fund (Apr-Jun 2020): Donation amount $5000!
“Progress” Pride Flag by Daniel Quasar | Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved.
When the Pride flag was recreated in 2017 and 2018 to include both black/brown stripes, as well as the trans stripes, I wanted to see if there could be more emphasis in the design of the flag to elevate its message. This new design forces the viewer to reflect on their own feelings towards the original Pride flag and its meaning as well as the differing opinions on who that flag really represents, while also bringing into clear focus the current needs within our community. You can’t avoid the message as it is right there in front of you.
I challenge you as the viewer to look at this design and acknowledge the thoughts and feelings it brings up within yourself. No matter what they are, take this opportunity to reflect and self-critique if necessary.
The 6 stripe LGBTQ flag should be separated from the newer stripes because of their difference in meaning, as well as to shift focus and emphasis to what is important in our current community climate. The main section of the flag (background) includes the traditional 6 stripe LGBTQ flag as seen in its most widely used form so as not to take away from its original meaning.
The trans flag stripes and marginalized community stripes were shifted to the Hoist of the flag and given a new chevron shape. The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made.
Background: LGBTQ 6 full sized color stripes representing life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony/peace (blue), and spirit (purple/violet)
Hoist: 5 half sized stripes representing trans and non-binary individuals (light blue, light pink, white), marginalized POC communities (brown, black), as well as those living with AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them, and those who have been lost to the disease (black)
The Trans Pride flag was original created by Monica Helms. The use of black and brown was original conceptualized and created into the More Color, More Pride flag in Philly by Amber Hikes. The use of a black stripe to represent those lost during the AIDS crisis, referred to as the Victory Over AIDS flag was suggested by Sergeant Leonard Matlovich. It is elevated here to bring awareness to the stigma surrounding those living with HIV. Red also represents AIDS Awareness and the constant search for a cure. Gilbert Baker was the creator of multiple forms of the original Pride flag that is seen most often today.
My thoughts and desires for what this new flag means are mine, but what does it mean to you?
Art is subjective and new meanings come from the individual who views it. So, please take this moment to find what this flag means to you as an individual and also how you might be able to impact the community as a whole through its message.
Click the image above to go to the terms of use page that covers commercial and non-commercial use of the “Progress” Pride Flag design. Reach out if you have any questions.
If you desire to sell any of our Progress Initiative products, please contact us directly about wholesale items. We’d be happy to work out a deal with you.
For creating your own commercial items using our design, please refer to the information in the FAQ for this specific idea.
See: Terms Of Use
