This Valentine’s Day, in the spirit of love and acceptance, LUSH is sharing the love story between Darren, from LUSH in Newmarket and his partner Joel, across all 42 stores in Australia and New Zealand.
The couple will feature in the handmade cosmetic company’s advertisements that will be rolled out across the country. Last week  a similar campaign was announced for their US stores.
Darren and Joel shared some thoughts on marriage equality and acceptance as part of the launch of the campaign,
How do you both feel about being in the Valentine’s Day window at LUSH stores in Australia and New Zealand?
Darren: Being in a window with someone that I love so much is quite amazing. This is something so close to us. We know how hard it is to be accepted so hopefully this touches people. It’s not just one person. There are such high suicide rates within the LGBTQI community. We are pretty happy that LUSH takes the time to support the community.
How would you feel, knowing if you lived in Australia, you couldn’t get married?
Darren: It is tricky because it feels like you’re not really wanted in your own country. Personally, I struggle with being gay in my own country of New Zealand where it is actually quite open. You still have to watch your back.
Joel: I think that even though there is marriage equality, that doesn’t mean equality. I don’t think that it fixes it. There is such a deep rooted hate. You learn to adopt an attitude where you just don’t really care but it does take time to build that attitude. I think that is one of the hardest things.
Have you ever been anywhere in the world that has made you feel comfortable to be who you are?
Joel: In my house
Darren: Yeah, in my house
The company has a long history of including LGBT couples in their advertisements.
