11/12/2020
Youth magazine Dazed has joined Pink News and many other media in reporting that vegan and fairtrade cosmetics chain LUSH, which has long positioned itself as an ally to LGBTQ People, and participated in Pride type events, had been found to have given a three thousand pound donation to an organisation called Women's Place UK, a group that has been described by members of the LGBTQ community as misrepresening trans people and being part of the anti-trans and anti-gay movements in the United Kingdom. Twitter was apparently alight during the days after eagle eyed transgender rights activists noticed the donation in Women's Place UK's statement of accounts. There were rumours, from unsubstantiated sources some years ago, in the trans press that some parts of the LUSH hierarchy were less tolerant than might be expected - of transwomen in particular. However, these seemed to be untrue as the organisation pursued a policy of engagement with causes largely seen as progressive, such as support for LGBTQ people, opposition to testing on animals and engagement with humanitarian relief efforts. After an initial backlash which involved many thousands of former customers saying that they needed an explanation from LUSH, the company did state that it had chosen not to get involved in any debate on reforms to the Gender Recognition Act, a proposed legal change around which much of the discussion on trans rights had focussed in the last three years. “Our goal has constantly been to not cut funding to our treasured LGBTQ+ friends worldwide nor to cease giving much needed funds to women’s struggles, but to remain outside of a debate where we have no authentic voice.” This statement only served to exacerbate the firm's predicament, with many saying it was not an adequate reply. No accountability and no learning. Never buying from you again,” wrote an Instagram user in response to Lush's statement. This time, LUSH responded “we wish to say sorry for some past mistakes in our choices of donation recipients ….. “Over the last 5 years Charity Pot has given grants to 514 LGBTQ+ groups totalling £1.6 million. Our intention is to continue to fund the many wonderful trans groups that come to us needing help to stay safe and to fight for acceptance and we hope that this has not put you off applying. We never wish to let you down or to not be right there by your side during your struggles”. Whether this will placate activists is yet to be seen, but some people did acknowledge LUSH's response and said that it would not change their intentions for buying this festive season.
