Only Human’s Campaigns are Trumping Hate Worldwide

The Supreme Court’s recent, monumental decision to protect LGBTQ rights against discrimination has emboldened business owners and workers alike. Only Human, a lesbian-owned, community-based organization, uses their platform to advocate for equality of all human beings and encourage diversity.

Owners Crissy Saint-Massey and Bree Pear see the ruling as a needed win not just for the LGBTQ community but also for black people and other people of color, especially amidst the current Black Lives Matter movement. Only Human’s efforts to support their community has been significant, raising and donating over $5,000 to over a dozen queer- and Black-led nonprofits over the course of Pride month.

As part of their ongoing mission, Only Human creates a new campaign each month as a way to allocate resources to versatile causes that they are passionate about. Ten percent of all Only Human profits each month benefit a different nonprofit organization doing good in the world. June’s campaign, entitled Team Human and supporting Gay For Good, became an even bigger priority for the organization in lieu of Pride events being canceled all over the country. 

Action and inspiration were also incited after President Trump attempted an inhumane roll back of transgender health protections in the midst of Pride. Despite the fact that the Supreme Court overruled the president’s decision, it was made clear that discrimination is being aggressed by the highest position of government in the country. Not to mention, the blatant misappropriation of ideation provides justification to others who stand by homophobia, racism, and misogyny. 

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As a way to combat divisiveness and hatred, Only Human has largely become a global platform for community involvement, storytelling, and building relationships. When COVID-19 spurred a national shutdown, Crissy and Bree quickly turned their focus toward virtual events. They found a way to redistribute their energy into emulating their practices online.

Throughout June, Only Human has hosted meetup groups, gender panels, workshops, and even sent out uplifting messages to subscribers via text messages every day of the month. They attribute their success to establishing core values and working with other organizations that share similar values, accomplishing more by working together towards a common goal. 

“Back in March, when isolation started, it was a wake-up call because we love being in-person and being able to just hug people, but we realized how important our platform is and how much of a tool it has been during social distancing,” said founder Bree Pear. “As an organization based on story sharing, we are trying to shine a spotlight and amplify voices of all different types. When you get people’s stories out there, you are simultaneously fighting against opposing and negative attitudes.”

Only Humans Heartbeat of Humanity Campaign in support of project C.U.R.E. was the company’s initial response to the pandemic, which included limited edition cause apparel with a mask, shirt, and mug that helped them raise upwards of $10,000. That money was donated to an organization providing PPE and necessary medical equipment to frontline workers and first responders.

Launching July 1, their new campaign will be in partnership with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and will advocate for Black, trans rights and empowerment. Marsha P. Johnson was a key figure in the Stonewall riots as an activist and drag queen.

In an interview with Crissy, she had this to say, “I’m proud to see that in the face of adversity, the SCOTUS ruling finally grants workplace protections to humans who identify as LGBTQ. I recall being a young adult starting my professional career and always having a fear that I wouldn’t be hired because of my sexual orientation, or that I would be fired from a job because my co-workers were unaccepting of my identity. I sighed in relief knowing that in the future, more humans will be able to show up to their workplaces fully rooted in their authenticity.”

As we continue to move forward and fight the powers that be, there will always be strength in numbers. As we continue to live in a culture normalized by social distancing, it is important to remember that no one is alone and connections are all around us if you seek them out. Some cultures take longer to change, and there is no doubt that not all businesses will adhere to the Supreme Court decision right away. However, as this is a step in the right direction, we must continue to push forward and prove that voices united can create change.