Our Initiative
At Muscle Nation, we are always looking for ways to deepen our understanding and empathy as a company, and to strengthen our commitment to being an ally.
Embracing diversity and being an inclusive organisation is at the core of who we are. We continue to strive to be a community that is supportive and empowering. We recognise the importance of being an ally to the LGBTIQA+ community. So this month, we are proud to be releasing our Muscle Nation Pride Tees in support of LGBTIQA+ History Month.
To shop our Muscle Nation Pride Tees, click here.
What is LGBTIQA+ History Month?
LGBTIQA+ History Month is an annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. It also celebrates the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements, starting from the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
Its purpose is to educate our youth and raise awareness for the issues facing the lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, queer, asexual and aromantic communities face in advancing their rights.
The first LGBTIQA+ History Month in Australia was celebrated in 2016. It was organised by the youth charity, Minus18, in partnership with the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives and Safe Schools Coalition Victoria.
Originally founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, LGBTIQA+ History Month is now celebrated in the month of October in the United States, Canada and Australia to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11.
Our Donations
With the help of our community, we raised a total of $36,000. Full proceeds of sales will be donated to charity - not just the profit or a portion, but the full amount of every tee sold will be donated. Our donation will be split across two charities, Minus18 and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
About Minus18 and how our donation is going to help
Minus18 is a charity organisation for LGBTIQA+ youth in Australia. Their vision is to lead change and promote an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered and supported.
Minus18 focus on breaking down social isolation through preventative mental health support programs. They are dedicated to transform communities and foster inclusivity through LGBTIQA+ training, resources and campaigns.
They hold workshops for workplaces and schools to provide education on LGBTIQA+ communities to empower young Australians through to support one another.
Donations to Minus18 are used for a variety of purposes from providing youth with resources on sexuality and gender identity, to education resources for Australian classrooms. Our donation will support Minus10 with their work to build social inclusion and improve the lives of LGBTIQA+ youth through life-affirming events, education and empowerment.
To learn more about Minus18, please visit their website.
About LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and how our donation is going to help
Sparked by a growing need for more holistic views on LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia began in 2007. Originally founded 'The National LGBTI Health Alliance', LGBTIQ+ Health Australia changed their name in 2021 to ensure they represent the communities and members they work with.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia work to foster healthy lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities in Australia and the world. They work so these communities are free from stigma and discrimination.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia was founded by a group of community organisations who lead the community in raising awareness for HIV/ AIDS. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia saw an opportunity and need for a national organisation to be developed to work across LGBTIQA+ health issues, rather than focusing on HIV/ AIDS in particular.
For more information on LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, click here.