Black Lives Matter & Represent ASL

We are very happy to feature an outstanding new local initiative, Represent ASL, that highlights the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and focuses on changing misconceptions that might exist about people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. 

This project also reminds us about the importance of understanding intersectionality. Coined by professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, the term intersectionality acknowledges that various aspects of one's social and political identity (e.g. gender, race, class, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.) combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. We must understand and acknowledge that everyone comes to the table with a unique perspective based on their identity, and that these diverse identities enhance our Deaf and hard of hearing community in many positive ways. You Are Hear wants to join Represent ASL's mission to stand against police brutality across all platforms and fight for equity and justice for all. As founder, Sasha Vella says " It doesn't matter your race, disability, your size or nationality- we need to stand for what's right, together!"

Let's learn more about Represent ASL from Ms. Vella by watching the video and reading the passage below. Then, click the button at the bottom of this page to visit their store for some beautiful products that also support an outstanding cause! 

My son was born in 2018 with profound-severe hearing loss. Like many parents this was the first Deaf person I ever met.​ Along the journey, between the appointments, meeting others in the community and falling more in love with the culture, I found my place, our place. I am a natural leader and advocate. I will face all diversity, any obstacles and each challenge with a full heart and a strong stance. Through this I realized myself, Deaf culture is very misunderstood. Many believe if you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing you are limited, you can't dance, communicate, fall in love, live a fufilled life like everyone else... The list goes on. This isn't true, all so far from true. I believe through more education, film, literature, apparel and representation we can all aid in kicking the misconceptions and bringing awareness to this AMAZING culture. American Sign Language is the formal language of the Deaf. I want to stand for something, against police brutality across all platforms. It doesn't matter your race, disability, your size or nationality- we need to stand for what's right, together.

 My goal is that when my son is old enough to walk into the grocery store on his own, he sees someone wearing this shirt and feels that much more welcome and comfortable, in his skin as who he is. My son may be my world but I understand he is just another person in the big world, this goal is beyond me. When purchasing apparel on this site a portion of the proceeds are returned back into the community to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the Greater Toronto Area facing common challenges due to COVID-19. 

THANK YOU for supporting the cause, my mission and helping GROW the dream.

-Sasha Vella