UPDATE: American Apparel has issued a statement, saying that they have been in touch with the organizers behind the Legalize Trans campaign to address concerns over transgender equality, and are awaiting for a response. According to an email from the company: "American Apparel would love to be a part of this great cause and use its resources to contribute in anyway that the organization would like. It's the right thing to do both as people and as an employer of fantastic and hard working transgendered individuals."

American Apparel scored some major points with gay Americans by selling "Legalize Gay" t-shirts after California voters passed Prop 8 in 2008. The shirts have become a popular way of supporting gay marriage and gay equality.

American Apparel's support for gay rights is definitely appreciated, but the company could do more to help the LGBT community. Oftentimes, the transgender community is an invisible segment of the LGBT community. The "Legalize Gay" shirts encourage transgender invisibility by supporting gay rights without recognizing the struggles of transgender people.

Much like gay people, transgender people also face substantial discrimination in their every day lives. They are often denied the right to marry, and face discrimination finding employment, housing, and medical care. In most states, discriminating against transgender people based on their gender identity is completely legal.

Please ask American Apparel to show their support for transgender equality by selling transgender-inclusive shirts. American Apparel can follow the lead of the Legalize Trans campaign, and offer "Legalize Trans" shirts in addition to their "Legalize Gay" shirts.