Banter by Piercing Pagoda Celebrates Pride with ‘SayGay’ Necklace
All proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.
![Banter by Piercing Pagoda collaborated with the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth, on a “SayGAY” nameplate necklace ($145). 20220624_SayGay Necklace.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4f7615b65f319d34f0b167c5a02859dc.jpg)
The Signet Jewelers-owned company is partnering with the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth, on a “SayGAY” nameplate necklace.
The phrase became a rallying cry against “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which refers to bills that have been proposed in several states, and passed in Florida, that prevent schools from including the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity in their curriculum.
“Both Banter by Piercing Pagoda and the It Gets Better Project believe everyone deserves to live authentically, and this necklace is a statement made together to support people on whichever path they choose,” said the company.
Available online for the month of June, the 24-karat gold plated over silver necklace retails for $145 with the entire purchase price, up to $25,000, benefitting the It Gets Better Project.
The two also teamed up last year, with Banter donating $25,000 to the charity.
“Partnering with Banter by Piercing Pagoda for Pride Month for the second year in a row feels right, as this time we were able to team up on a piece of jewelry that encompasses how we feel about the current political climate,” said Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley Jr., associate director of development at IGBP.
“LGBTQ+ youth need supporters and allies who are not afraid to speak, and wear, their feelings freely, and the creation of this ‘SayGAY’ nameplate helps us all celebrate our unique selves this month, and for forever.”
The organization is able to reach millions of young people, it said, via media programming, educational resources, and international affiliates.
It’s found support from big names, including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson and Gabrielle Union.
“At Banter by Piercing Pagoda we’re passionate about inclusivity and self-expression. Offering the SayGAY nameplate necklace further empowers our customers to live and love freely,” said Banter by Piercing Pagoda President Kecia Caffie.
“We’re thrilled to partner with IGBP again and create a product that allows consumers to make a statement and wear their beliefs.”
The company rebranded itself as Banter by Piercing Pagoda in August 2021 after more than 50 years of being known as simply Piercing Pagoda. It is shifting its focus to drawing in more Gen Z and millennial customers.
These customers favor bold expression of their personal styles, said the company, and this necklace is “the brand’s affirmative declaration to merge both style and passion during Pride Month, and year-round.”
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