“StandUp for Equality” T-shirt in celebration of National Coming Out Day, Oct 11th

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign - the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization - is unveiling a collaboration with rugby superstar Ben Cohen, MBE to encourage everyone to come out and stand up for LGBT equality. National Coming Out Day- a globally celebrated event encouraging LGBT people and their straight supporters to be visible by living open and honest lives – is celebrated each October 11th.

Known for his athletic prowess and status as a gay icon, Ben Cohen is a champion on and off the rugby pitch. Having successfully led England to a World Cup Championship, Cohen gave up at the height of his career to focus entirely on combating homophobia and ending bullying. “Every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love and be loved, and to be happy,” said Ben Cohen, when speaking of the importance of standing up, coming out and making a difference. Cohen is the first straight professional athlete to dedicate his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of the LGBT community.

In celebration of the strong partnership between the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation and the Human Rights Campaign, this tee features a re-working of the StandUp logo to include the HRC logo as well as the empowering message: “Stand Up For Equality” printed on the front. On the back, the words “Special Edition” are printed between an HRC logo and Ben’s signature.

100% of the proceeds from this t-shirt will support HRC's and Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation’s shared commitment to ending bullying, tackling homophobia and realizing full LGBT equality. The t-shirts will be sold at HRC Stores in Provincetown, MA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, D.C.; and online at shop.hrc.org. They are constructed of 100% cotton and retail for $35. Only 1,000 T-shirts will be produced.

Energized by exclusive t-shirt collaborations with designers Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Levi Strauss & Co, Christian Siriano, Alex & Chloe and Nike as well as musicians Ke$ha and Tegan & Sara; HRC is proud to offer athletic voices to the growing chorus of LGBT rights supporters.