SAFE PEOPLE, SAFE PLACES

Rhino Nation was born from a desire to be able to wear Pride more subtly, and safely. One of our founders, who was openly queer to only a few close friends and family members, wanted a way to represent herself through her clothing choices, without outing herself.

From here, the idea grew. One of the reasons we wear Pride, is to show others in the community that they are not alone, that they have an ally in us - and we didn't want that to be diminished. 

As a result, the #youresafewithme campaign was born. The idea that a t-shirt or hoodie could mark you as a safe person for others in community. A way to show inclusion, belonging, self-love and safety, without uttering a word, or publicly outing or placing yourself in unsafe situations. 

After attending some protests around Perth, WA, it became clear that safety for the queer community was a big issue. LGBTQIA+ individuals were being harassed, followed and intimidated by anti-queer protestors, and there was a lack of safe spaces for the queer community to seek refuge. 

Thus, The Safe Spaces Project was developed. This iniative allows businesses to work with us to provide not only welcoming spaces for the queer community, but refuge should someone need it - somewhere to stay for as long as they need to feel safe, source transport, or call a friend/family member for help. 

The rhino has become so much more that a logo, and we are so excited to build Rhino Nation into a hub for educational resources and information for businesses and individuals, and create tangible safety in the community.