This project is something that's been rattling in my head since the early- to mid-2000s. It is a work in progress. I already have a full time gig. I appreciate feedback and suggestions. 

When I originally thought of this, the idea was like FUBU ("For Us, By Us"), but for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Takes One To Know One

Takes Ōne To Know Öne.

TōTkö.

The character accents will make more sense when I get some more images shared.

Some queer folk take forever coming out. I'm one of them. Raised Roman Catholic with Hindu roots, branches, and hopefully good fruit, I've developed sort of a ☯️ style of flexible spirituality. My defaults include skepticism and imagination, fairness and responsibility.

This project is me channeling some of that energy into something that might be useful.

TōTkö - Takes one to know one.

I think quantifiable metrics suggest we all fluctuate to some degree between two of anything.

TōTkö - It’s sort of a mantra.

Pot/kettle

Sliver/plank

If there’s something I dislike, and it’s otherwise harmless, then what is it about me that generates or catalyzes the positive or negative emotion?

Is it poison? Will it hurt me, the ones I care for? Will I lose something I worked hard for and earned?

TōTkö.

How do "friendlies" nod while educating?

TōTkö.

How to stay clear of the hateful bullies? 

TōTkö.

So, please buy some pieces. 

For the first 5 purchases, 50% will go towards a non-profit of your choice below and 50% will be cost. You pay shipping. The objective now is just to get this idea out of my head and see what kind of interest there is. Transactions can be by phone/emails/Venmo, etc. I'll provide proof of donation.

I suppose it makes sense also that you show me proof of donation, and pay just the cost of the product. 

Contact me for pricing. 

Tax not included in listed prices.

This project is a slow burn. I envision a store front in its future.

Items are presently made through Printful. Let me know if you'd like other items that are available through Printful. Belts and ties may be available by special order through other providers. 

I chose Printful for convenience at this early stage. I would like to transition to greener and more ethical everything. So, help me make that happen by showing that there's more here than just my fanciful ideals. I’m also interested in supporting local and/or independent businesses as much as possible. So, if you’re a printer or know a printer, let me know. If it’s possible to make items with thrift store materials, even better.

Depending on how this goes, I’ll share some of my other art for orders.

I provide the non-profit choices so I won't have to say no to someone's suggestion. I appreciate information as to why any particular non-profit should be removed. I have confidence in these organizations, but things can always change.

List of suggested non-profits in alphabetical order:

   1 ACLU 

   2 Doctors Without Borders

   3 International Rescue Committee

   4 Kaleidoscope Youth Center

   5 Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

   6 Ohio Environmental Council

   7 The Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI)

   8 World Wide Fund for Nature

to be continued . . .

I’m considering some ideas in which if you post selfies wearing an item, then maybe there's some discount or I match the donation. But, more to come later at no promised time.

I reserve the right to change any of this at any time. I'm not in a position to warranty anything. I know I’ll need to keep tweaking things. We all should aim to be fair and responsible.

I endorse nothing in particular about the listed non-profits. If anything I create resembles real people or events, it's probably just coincidental. Let me know to discuss.

If I've failed to properly credit an idea or statement, please let me know.

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