5 Seconds Of Summer launch Black Trans Lives Matter campaign, drop new merch line with artist Sanyu Nicholas
Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer recently stepped up their bid to spread a spirit of love, equality, and solidarity around the world by unveiling a new Black Trans Lives Matter campaign. In a recent social media post, the quartet comprising Luke Hemmings, Ashton Irwin, Michael Clifford and Calum Hood unveiled their latest Friends Of Friends clothing venture, which comes as a collaborative design effort with transgender artist Sanyu Nicholas, who identifies as a queer member of the LGBTQIA++ community.
Sanyu Nicholas, a first-generation American artist born to Haitian parents, is a passionate supporter of trans rights and has designed a new clothing line for Friends Of Friends, the charity clothing venture founded by the Aussie musicians last year. As the band revealed, "We started Friends of Friends over a year ago as a vehicle to create a community on a local and global level, raising awareness and money for a variety of causes while celebrating the people and projects who inspire us."
5 Seconds of Summer revealed their mission with this new announcement on the Friends of Friends site. "We stand with members of the Black Transgender Community in their fight for equality, safety, recognition, and justice." The band then revealed, "We've launched a new range of merchandise designed by our friend Sanyu Nicholas. All profits from this range will go directly the Marsha P Johnson Institute, which protects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people by organizing, advocating, creating an intentional community to heal, and developing transformative leadership."
The band also left links to donate directly and get involved further in the cause, and also added on social media, "We are proud to stand alongside you while making a difference in our world — thank you for your support."
Fans were also showing their appreciation for the noble gesture and the worthy cause it supported, saying "Thank you for creating something that raises money for so many important causes. We love you and we are proud to support you." Another follower said, "Now THIS is incredible and the exact reason I love this band so much. You guys stand for the right things and put your words into actions."
One fan also showed their appreciation for the brilliantly designed hoodies and T-shirts in the new merch line, saying "And these designs are gorgeous damn!" Another supporter chimed in, "ITS AMAZING! THE DESIGN LOOKS SICK." As one diehard fan concluded, "So so proud of you for using your platforms to bring light to important topics. Miss you and love you."