GTFO Shirts!
One of my goals this year was to utilize my business to do some good. I didn't have a plan set out for this goal, but I had been planning for a while to create a papercutting piece of the uterus and ovaries, and had envisioned making a charitable donation from the proceeds of the piece. I completed the piece earlier this year, and after seeing it come together I couldn't stop thinking of the image on a t-shirt. I also figured more people buy t-shirts than papercutting art pieces (...I assume?) so more potential to raise some cash for a good cause.
As one of millions of people who participated in the Women's March in January, I felt the draw to focus this project on reproductive health, and felt especially worried about the potential threats to reproductive health in the US. After creating the handcut piece, I went to bed every night picturing the shirt, and every time, the letters GTFO floated around in my mind.
So I made it!
Here it is! I scanned the original hand-cut papercutting piece to digitize the design and have it silkscreened onto the shirts. The design, as my other anatomical organ pieces, is my artistic interpretation of this reproductive organ. I chose the image of the uterus as the symbol for this cause, as Planned Parenthood has so often come under fire for the services they provide, and as our bodies are so often governed by the social conservatism of cis male politicians. Even though I was told the text was "out there," I chose GTFO (get the f*ck out!) for the lettering because, hey, IRL I'm pretty brazen and I don't have a problem saying GTFO when it needs to be said. Plus, I couldn't get it out of my head!
Why Planned Parenthood US?
Though we are a Canadian company, I feel a strong connection with my American friends and family, and also with all the Americans who support Light + Paper. Over 80% of Light + Paper online orders come from the United States, and with the current political climate, I feel that fighting alongside my American neighbours is what we need to be doing. We ended up being able to donate $3000 to Planned Parenthood US! Go us!
For our new GTFO Shirts in black we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood Toronto. We will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the lasercut paper female reproductive piece and the new GTFO Pins towards Planned Parenthood Toronto.
It took me a while to decide to go ahead with this project. I was worried. What if people are offended? Is it exclusionary? Is it "on brand"? What if nobody buys it? In the end, I hope this can do more good than harm, and I don't think now is the time to allow my own fears prevent me from taking action.
We'd love your help to spread the word! Please share the images above, just link back to the product listing. If you'd like a high res image, or have any other questions email me!
And BUY IT HERE
Much love,
Ali
Comments
Tanya Barbon —
Our black GTFO shirts arrived just in time for the last week of school and Pride Toronto. Thank you! My daughter and I love them!
Lorraine Leslie —
^ I agree! These are amazing.
Kathy N —
You should make more! Just saw this…