Oscars 2018: Celebrities Will Wear Orange Pins to Protest Gun Violence
2018's award show season has undeniably had a common theme: celebrities continue to use fashion as a way to make a bigger statement. The red carpet at the Golden Globes was filled with stars donning all-black outfits to stand with survivors of sexual harassment and assault, and some actors also sported Time's Up pins at the ceremony in support of the fight against sexual misconduct. Other celebrities highlighted the importance of gender equality in Hollywood by wearing pearl pins to show support for female-driven projects. And now, celebrities will be taking a stand against gun violence at the 2018 Oscars through yet another fashion-related gesture.
According to People, you'll likely see stars sporting orange flag pins on the red carpet at the Academy Awards tonight, March 4. The pins, which are called "Wear Orange" American Flag Pins, are from the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence and raising awareness.
The gesture isn't surprising, as many celebrities have been extremely vocal about gun control — especially in the wake of the Parkland, Florida shooting that took place on February 14. "No words, no actions, no laws are enough until we end this epidemic of school shootings in our country," Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Twitter on the day of the Florida shooting. Yara Shahidi spoke out and said: "It is devastating that time and time again our safety and lives are being compromised in places that are supposed to be dedicated to our growth." And Gabrielle Union raised an important and heartbreaking point by writing: "This does not have to be our collective reality. How many more? How many children must not make it home?"
In addition to using their voices, several celebrities have supported the upcoming March For Our Lives. Stars like Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, and Amal Clooney have donated $500,000 to the event.
As noted by People, the orange pins are also available on Everytown's website, and cost $15 for a pack of three pins. According to the organization, purchasing the pins (or any of their other products) helps Everytown "build awareness of and advance solutions to gun violence in America."
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