Hate speech turned into same-sex wedding confetti
Turning hate speech into symbols of love, a paper company in Ireland has found a way to not only get the word out about marriage equality but help same-sex couples heal in the process. It’s a message that’s resonating with people in the Coachella Valley.
“The world is becoming smaller and smaller and everyone has to live together. I think this is a great way to start,” said My Little Flower Shop owner Gregory Goodman.
It’s called A Shred of Decency, confetti meant to celebrate same-sex weddings. A closer look reveals, these hearts were once anti-gay fliers.
“You are turning something of hate into something of love. I think that is amazing,” said Goodman.
“I think it it’s a pretty neat idea,” said marriage equality supporter Ned Bunnell.
The packaging says it’s made up of 100 percent recycled lies.
“That is actually a really good thing; we need somebody to do it,” said marriage equality supporter Valentino Lopez.
“You are turning lemons into lemonade. I think that is incredible,” said Goodman.
Dublin-based Daintree Paper is behind the product. It says all proceeds go to Yes Equality, Ireland’s same-sex marriage campaign. The country will vote on the issue next month.
“It’s becoming accepted. What is not accepted anymore are hate messages to people who just want to express their love like everybody else does,” said Joyful Weddings and Events planner Richard Cadieux.
Cadieux and Goodman believe it’s only a matter of time before Shred of Decency makes its way to desert weddings.
“I could probably sell this, it’s fun. The meaning behind it is wonderful,” said Goodman.
“This can be used by people in the audience to shower the couple to remember that they are accepted for exactly for who they are,” said Cadieux.
“It think it’s equivalent to taking words back,” said Goodman.
Daintree Paper is also asking for people all over the globe to send in more material, using the #shredthistweet on any message people want converted to confetti.
“I will have to try that, it sounds pretty cool,” said Lopez.
“If I receive a piece of hate mail, rather than be angry about it, I can pass it on to this company and have it come out to be something quite beautiful,” said Goodman.
People are then sending in videos and pictures of couples using the transformed words at their wedding, both gay and straight.
“They can make a statement about the rightness of same-sex marriage at their own heterosexual wedding and let these little hearts rain upon their parade,” said Goodman.
