Description
Unisex Bella and Canvas light blue with navy blue writing “KEEP PTOWN QUEER” across the chest.
Why this slogan? Why now? Could this possibly be a danger in Provincetown?
The impetus for the shirt is the rising cost of living, vacationing, and doing business in town. With money often comes a sameness effect that we have witnessed in many communities we have loved- Harvard Square is my childhood example. The use of the word queer vs gay is deliberate. Queer is an idea, a vibe, a state of being, and for many of us, yes, an identity. I once heard it said “everyone is welcome in Provincetown as long as they know the default on Commercial St is gay.” I liked that when I heard it and felt that as a safety measure. As women, BIPOC, and trans folks lose space everywhere- including Commercial St, queerness espouses a more intersectional inclusive meaning.
WAIT, MICHELLE- what about straight people? Your shirt is provocative and exclusionary!
I would argue, straight (allies at least) fall under the umbrella of queer and it’s all our responsibility to keep Commercial St different, fun, open, welcoming.
