Human Rights Campaign Unveils Collaboration with Kenneth Cole in Support of Marriage Equality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011

Human Rights Campaign Unveils Collaboration with Kenneth Cole in Support of Marriage Equality

“Take your lover up the aisle – Support Marriage Equality"
www.hrc.org/kennethcole

Washington - With marriage equality at the forefront of minds in New York and across the country, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization unveiled its latest collaboration with highly esteemed designer and longtime activist Kenneth Cole in support of marriage equality. “I’ve always believed in the power of matching pairs. I believe in marriage equality,” said Kenneth Cole.

Despite tremendous gains and historic highs of public support for marriage equality, 29 states have constitutional amendments prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples and the federal Defense of Marriage Act singles out lawfully married same-sex couples for unequal treatment under federal law.

“Kenneth Cole has always been a tremendous voice for equality,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “His early and leading role in promoting marriage equality has helped countless Americans understand the innate fairness associated with being able to marry the person you love. We are grateful that he’s chosen, yet again, to create a shirt promoting this civil rights campaign.”

By supporting fair-minded leaders, mobilizing HRC's members in support of marriage and relationship recognition initiatives across the country and raising awareness of the discriminatory nature of anti-LGBT amendments and laws, the Human Rights Campaign is working to achieve marriage equality. As part of Kenneth Cole's unwavering dedication and support for marriage equality, the trendsetting designer participated in and created a video for the New Yorker for Marriage campaign. In addition, Kenneth Cole will be featuring marriage equality displays in 97 stores nationwide during the month of June.

Featuring "Take Your Lover Up the Aisle" - Support Marriage Equality written in Kenneth Cole's signature conversational text on the front and "Kenneth Cole Supports HRC" on the back, the 100% cotton t-shirt and tank top are made in the USA. Only 500 are available in unisex sizes SM-XXL.

The t-shirt and tank top will be sold exclusively at HRC Stores in Provincetown, MA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, D.C.; and shop.hrc.org and through www.KennethCole.com/TshirtStore. Retailing for $35, 100% of net proceeds will go toward HRC's fight for LGBT equality.

Part of HRC's designer collaboration series, Kenneth Cole joins a long list of designers including Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Christian Siriano, Alex & Chloe, Heatherette, Nike and American Apparel who are all committed to pushing equality and fashion forward.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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