CULTURE

Support Equal Rights: Watch the Lush Cosmetics Series on COVID-19 and Inequality

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Starting May 14, Lush will open their Instagram to community activists to discuss inequality and discrimination during COVID-19. 

Known for their handmade, cruelty-free cosmetics and bath products, Lush is taking a break from the beauty world to uplift marginalized voices on their social media. Starting May 14, guest speakers will use Lush’s Instagram to discuss the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on systemically disadvantaged communities. 

For the entire lineup of speakers during the 6-part series, check out Lush Cosmetic’s post:

 

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Being _________ in Covid-19: The pandemic is real and its impacts have been felt by all. Everything has changed, and all of us have had to change everything. In the ways we can, we check in with our family, friends and, if we’re still working, our co-workers, to share how we’re feeling and how we can help. There’s a recognition that we are all in this together.⁠ ⁠ However, our experiences of Covid-19 are not equal. Communities made vulnerable by systemic failures and discrimination face disproportionately higher barriers and challenges with accessing healthcare and essential services. ⁠ ⁠ This series will bring the leadership of community activists Phillip Agnew (@philsomething), Edgar Villanueva (@decolonizingwealth), Mara Keisling (@transequalitynow), Sheridan Aguirre (@unitedwedream), Rosana Araujo (@womenworkingtogetherusa + @domesticworkers) and Marco Castillo (@globalexchange) to discuss the impacts of Covid-19 on the Black, Native American, trans, undocumented, low wage and detained communities.⁠ ⁠ If there ever was a moment to listen to these voices, it’s now. The stark evidence of the inequalities that exist within our system has never been more clear. Hear these stories, take action and demand safety and dignity for all.⁠ ⁠ Launching May 14.⁠

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Life in a pandemic is hard for everyone. However, some groups face even greater barriers when accessing healthcare and essential services. The series title, “Being _________ in COVID-19,” highlights how having a marginalized identity can intensify the hardships of life during an global issue. A person’s race, class, gender, immigration status can all put someone at greater risk for the negative consequences of COVID-19, such as job loss or limited healthcare availability. 

 Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, will share her thoughts on being trans in COVID-19. Edgar Villanueva, global activist and author of Decolonizing Wealth, will also discuss being Native American in Covid-19.

 

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Phillip Agnew, organizer with @thedreamdefenders and @mvmnt4blklives and artist @smokesignalsmia in Miami, shares his insight on being Black in Covid-19. ⁠ ⁠ In ‘Being Black in Covid-19: Black Americans were in crisis already’, Phillip writes, “Black people have been in crisis since our lungs first stung with American air. We are always a paycheck away from a crisis, or a broken taillight away from a crisis, or an arrest away from a crisis, or a hurricane or a slip and fall away from a crisis.”⁠ ⁠ If there were ever a moment to pause, listen and demand justice and dignity for all, it’s now. To learn more about Phillip and his work, click our link in bio and follow him @philsomething.⁠ ⁠ #Recovery4All

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The pandemic poses a real threat to the health and safety of millions in the United States. If you want to join these speakers and Lush in demanding better treatment for all, watch the series live starting May 14.