Non-Profit Comes Out To Austin

Today being National Coming Out Day and all, we think it's the perfect opportunity to clue you in on a nifty nonprof that recently relocated to our little blue oasis: Fine By Me prints t-shirts emblazoned with the simple and catchy slogan, "Gay? Fine By Me."

The long and short of it, as told by the FBM folks themselves:

The T-Shirt Project is an easy way for the many, many Americans who support their LGBT friends and family to speak out. By participating in the T-Shirt Project, you are sending a message to the rest of your community about what you believe and what kind of community you want to live in. You are sending a message to those in your community who may not be open about their sexual orientation that they will have support if they decide to come out publicly. And you are sending a message to local and national leaders that you do not support and will not tolerate homophobia. The T-Shirt Project is not just for people already involved in LGBT activism, but for any and every American who believes in the Fine By Me message and wants to stand up publicly for equal rights.

FBM was launched by several Duke University students in the spring of 2003, in the hopes of promoting public support for the GLBT community, and in part after the school was named one of the most homophobic schools in a Princeton Review survey. Three years and 50,000 shirts later, FBM has turned 501(c)3, expanded its reach nationwide, and worked with myriad communities, including universities, churches and synagogues, local civic groups, businesses, and entire towns. Perhaps more telling is the fact that Duke University was recently listed among the Advocate's Top 20 Best Campuses for LGBT Students.

Coincidence?

Okay, maybe. But still.

The organization relocated its base of operations from New York City to Austin just weeks ago -- a good move, we say -- and they're keen on bringing on volunteers to help out with the project. Contact 'em if you're interested!

Also, in celebration of National Coming Out Day, we're giving away a bunch of special two-fers: enter below for your chance to win a Fine By Me tee and an Austinist tee. And don't forget that we're still giving away a pair of limited-edition jeans, courtesy FactoryPeople.

More Info:
Fine By Me Official Site
Fine By Me on MySpace
History of the T-Shirt Project
Order a T-Shirt