**David Tennant: Trans Rights Clothing Sales Surge After Doctor Who Star Wears T-Shirt**
David Tennant, renowned for his role in “Doctor Who,” has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to a significant surge in sales for a trans rights clothing line. The actor’s recent public appearance in a trans rights t-shirt has not only raised awareness but also generated substantial funds for scholarships aimed at supporting young gender non-conforming individuals.
The catalyst for this surge was an Instagram post by Tennant’s wife, Georgia, showcasing their family at a school Pride event. In the photos, Tennant is seen wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “you will have to go through me” in the colors of the trans flag. This t-shirt, along with other trans-positive merchandise, is sold by the Canadian website Stevie Safe Spaces.
Stevie Safe Spaces, run by Stevie Brocksom, offers a range of products including hats, hoodies, shirts, and stickers, all featuring slogans that support the trans community. A portion of the proceeds from each sale, specifically $5, is directed towards the Greyson Jones Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship provides financial assistance to gender non-conforming individuals pursuing higher education in Ontario, Canada.
Following the viral Instagram post, Brocksom reported a dramatic increase in sales, amounting to $32,000 (approximately £25,300). This unexpected boost in orders has allowed the scholarship fund to grow significantly, ensuring more support for the trans community in the coming years.
The story behind Tennant receiving the t-shirt is as heartwarming as the impact it has had. Brocksom’s husband sent a package of the t-shirts to a fanmail address for Tennant, hoping the actor might wear one. Tennant, known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, did not disappoint. He has previously worn a t-shirt with the message “leave trans kids alone you absolute freaks” at the premiere of the second season of “Good Omens.”
Brocksom expressed their surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming response. “I didn’t think it would go anywhere,” they told Yahoo Canada. However, the orders poured in from around the globe, including countries like the UK, the US, Australia, and Japan. The “you will have to go through me” design, in particular, accounted for 85% of the sales.
The impact of Tennant’s support was evident in the flood of appreciative comments on Georgia Tennant’s Instagram post. One user wrote, “As an unaccepted trans 20-year-old, David’s T-shirt genuinely made me cry. Thank you for doing everything you do.”
This surge in sales has not only highlighted the importance of allyship but also underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the trans community. In Canada, recent policies in provinces like New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have introduced measures that require parental consent for transgender or non-binary students under the age of 16 to use their preferred names and pronouns at school. Similar legislative efforts targeting transgender rights have been seen across the United States.
Despite the backlash and challenges, the support from public figures like Tennant provides a beacon of hope and solidarity. Tennant’s advocacy extends beyond wearing supportive apparel. He has been a vocal ally, often speaking up for LGBTQ+ rights at various events. His acceptance speech at the British LGBT Awards, where he won the Celebrity Ally award, was a testament to his commitment. Tennant remarked, “If I’m honest, I’m a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they’re not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention – because it’s common sense, isn’t it?”
However, Tennant’s outspoken support has not been without controversy. His comments at the British LGBT Awards, where he suggested that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch should “shut up,” sparked a heated debate. Badenoch responded on social media, asserting her right to free speech and criticizing Tennant’s remarks. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech in democracy.
Despite the political backlash, Tennant’s actions have had a tangible positive impact. Brocksom, overwhelmed by the influx of orders, had to temporarily halt sticker sales to catch up. The success of the t-shirt sales means that the Greyson Jones Memorial Scholarship is now well-funded for the foreseeable future. “We might be able to fund two scholarships, who knows,” Brocksom said.
David Tennant’s support for trans rights, exemplified by his choice of clothing, has not only raised significant funds but also brought much-needed attention to the challenges faced by the trans community. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that public figures can have in advocating for equality and supporting marginalized communities.
Source: The Independent, Yahoo Canada, ITV, Times Radio
