Raising HELL for diversity
Wallabies player Israel Folau condemned gay people to ‘‘hell’’ in a social media post which stirred up controversy earlier this year.
Now, pizza chain HELL is aiming to sell 3000 T-shirts to raise $75,000 for RainbowYOUTH in a not-so-subtle jibe at Folau’s comments – benefiting an organisation that supports young members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
In April, Folau, a high-profile Australian rugby player and husband of Silver Ferns’ shooter Maria Folau, came under fire when he replied to an Instagram follower’s question: ‘‘What is God’s plan for gay people?’’ He responded: ‘‘HELL. Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.’’
The comment came just six months after Folau tweeted about his opposition to same-sex marriage ahead of Australia’s postal vote last year.
Starting today, Hell will sell T-shirts featuring the tagline ‘‘The Only HELL I’m Going To’’ to raise funds for not-for-profit organisation RainbowYOUTH, with Hell hoping sales would encourage diversity and equality.
Inspired by the social media campaigns like #metoo and #metoonz, supporters including former All Black captain Andy Leslie, Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Fat Freddy’s Drop vocalist Dallas Tamaira and Panhead Custom Ales’ founder Mike Neilson will be donning the T-shirts and using the hashtag #theonlyHELLimgoingto.
RainbowYOUTH executive director Frances Arns said the hashtag would help send a critical and positive message to young people. ‘‘As a young person, you’re soaking in all of the attitudes and perspectives of society. Let’s make sure the message they’re getting about gender and sexuality are good ones.’’
‘‘Our HELL is a place of diversity, equality and opportunity. Not discrimination or negativity,’’ HELL general manager Ben Cumming said. He hoped as many people as possible wore the T-shirts ‘‘with pride to show their support’’.