People around the world are being encouraged to wear black today, in solidarity with women and men everywhere who have been silenced by discrimination, harassment or abuse.
Although reports surfaced weeks ago that actresses would wear black to the Golden Globes in a protest against the widespread sexual harassment and assault within their industry, it now appears to be an initiative of the Time’s Up campaign, which aims to combat sexual harassment and assault across all industries.
Reese Witherspoon, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rashida Jones, Tessa Mae Thompson, Brie Larson and Kerry Washington posted a video to their Instagram accounts today, encouraging everyone to wear black in solidarity.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdqFB9WBmWs/?hl=en&taken-by=reesewitherspoon
“Thank you to all the people who donated to the Time’s Up Legal Defence Fund,” said Witherspoon, “which was created for people who are victims of sexual harassment and discrimination and abuse in the workplace, and they don’t have access to legal representation.”
“We have raised $15 million from over 10,000 people, 60 countries, all 50 states, and this is just the beginning, so thank you,” said Ellis Ross.
“This is only possible because of you,” said Thomspon.
“I know there’s been a lot of talk about actresses wearing black to the Golden Globes…” said Jones.
“…but we’re only wearing black because we want to stand with you, our sisters, across the globe,” finished Washington. “So we invite you to wear black with us on Sunday.”
“Whether you’re watching the show at home…” said Thompson.
“….or lounging in your house, whatever,” said Larson. “You can choose how you participate. You can even dress up in a gown if you want, we’re also accepting PJs, sweats, whatever.”
“Because this is all about us standing together,” finished Tracey. “Time for systematic change.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdoTAJ1l7_3/?taken-by=tessamaethompson
People are being encouraged to share their outfits using the #TimesUp and #WhyWeWearBlack hashtags, as well as talk about why they’re standing in solidarity with the movement.
Dozens of actresses and directors across the industry are also encouraging women to wear black today, including Blake Lively, Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz, Handmaid’s Tale director Reed Morano and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdqWQ8oAFla/?taken-by=blakelively
“We want this to be a special night and a moment of solidarity for people everywhere,” said Fumero. “Whether you are walking the carpet, working the event or an after party, or watching at home, we hope you will join us and tell your friends and families as well.”
“Today I wear black because I won’t be silenced and I want to send a very clear message about how I feel,” said Morano. “It has taken me a long time to realise I don’t have to accept being treated differently or taken advantage of because I’m a woman in my position. It occurred to me that I am still allowing it to happen because I’ve always accepted it and have become so accustomed to it, that I often don’t even realise it’s happening. This is happening to women and minorities everywhere right now and I’m not going to accept it anymore.”
The Golden Globes red carpet starts at about 10am AEST today, and you can bet it’s going to be a sea of impossible chic black gowns.
