SOOOOOO I wanted to address this.

(shows shirt)

Yeah…I was called a hypocrite for buying this…my first thought? OUCH! Even though I only saw ONE mention of that, my Inner Asshole started acting up, wondering how many others felt the same way, especially since this pokes at something so important to my character (and this is very different than making fun of my big boobs), it’s important to me: Supporting Deaf-owned businesses.

I know there are so many different perspectives about getting this shirt - some think this is horrible, distasteful, and that buying this is supporting Old Navy, even though the buzz surrounding this has been bad PR for them. Then others think this is FUNNY and a good way to reclaim this on our terms, when we have endured this kind of cultural appropriation by the hearing community so many times. So now we’re reclaiming this, we’re owning it.

I get it, I really do. I get both perspectives completely.

I admit I wasn't gonna buy it at first but then I saw how much commotion this caused in the community, and I thought, “Finish!! I have to buy this as some sort of memorabilia and as a way to poke fun at this whole situation, because it REALLY is messed up if you think about it.

But, I do feel the moral responsibility to say this, at least. I do not support buying ASL apparel from those that are outside of the Deaf ecosystem. It IS something I do talk about all the time within my community and even with my hearing ASL students. For example, if you see Target selling LOVE in ASL or even ILY handshape merchandise? Don’t buy it! Buy it from a Deaf-owned business instead!

Its also important to me to support Latina businesses, Queer businesses, Women-owned businesses along with Deaf businesses too, and I hope you all DO realize this based on everything else I have shared after all this time.

Now, with regards to this shirt. Bottom line: Everyone is entitled to their perspective on THIS hot mess...but please do ALWAYS support the Deaf ecosystem - always support Deaf owned businesses. Your investment in this supports your own community.