Members of the band Fun. and quirky designer Rachel Antonoff are teaming up to create an online-based, pro-gay rights organization.
Launched Monday, The Ally Coalition is focused on creating a community of straight allies from the entertainment industry to fight for rights and end discrimination against lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning people.
“TAC believes that is the responsibility of allies to support LGTBQ causes and fight against discrimination through education, awareness, and advocacy,” the site’s Information page reads.
The social media-heavy campaign launched a Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram profile in tandem with Monday’s announcement. Antonoff and the black-framed-glasses-wearing Fun. boys are also encouraging non-Hollywood-A-listers to “make a statement” as to why they are allies with a downloadable statement card.
In an introduction video posted on YouTube, Fun.’s Nate Ruess explained that he is an ally because he disagrees with the 29 states where it’s still legal to fire people from their jobs just for being gay.
“I am an ally because I will stand-up and make my voice heard,” Ruess said. Fun.’s guitarist Jack Antonoff (Rachel’s brother) and pianist Andrew Dost also created videos discussing the importance of supporting gays.
Antonoff said she helped create TAC because she wants to educate herself on the numerous LGBTQ-limiting laws that exist. She noted that there are more than 1,000 rights that gay people are denied, from employment benefits to hospital visitation.
“I am an ally because I choose to educate myself on all the issues in the LGBTQ community,” she said in her video.
Supporters can join the non-profit organization with donation levels ranging from $5 to $75. What that money will go toward is not entirely clear, but the website says it will help organizations like Revel and Riot (a pro-LGBTQ merchandise line that Fun. endorses) and Mainers United for Marriage.
TAC joins a crowded group of online organizations promoting LGBTQ rights, but perhaps its indie star power could help carve its own niche.
Photo via The Ally Coalition