Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s first official LGBTQ pride T-shirt was released by the university bookstore on Jan. 26. The idea to design and sell a Javelina pride T-shirt in the university bookstore was conceptualized by TAMUK student Alberto Oliveira III. Oliveira, a junior Criminal Justice major, was brainstorming design ideas for a new Unity club T-shirt when he realized the university bookstore did not carry any official LGBTQ merchandise.
“The idea initially came to me in hopes that it would become the new T-shirt for the Unity organization. It wasn’t until it was voted that the past semester’s t-shirt design would still be used that I started thinking ‘I still want this T-shirt made, so what’s my next step to get that done?’” Oliveira said.
The next step turned out to be working side by side with the university bookstore to bring his T-shirt design to fruition.The bookstore manager, Mary Garza, fully supported Oliveira’s vision and had a major role in getting the t-shirts printed and in the store. Garza said the university bookstore is optimistic about the sales of this T-shirt and the potential for other LGBTQ merchandise in the future.
“As with all general merchandise product we bring into the store we always analyze sell through, graphic rotation and quantity minimums. Our hope is that the initial graphic does well so that we can continue to rotate designs each season,” Garza said.
Student and faculty reception of the new Javelina pride T-shirt has been reassuring to both Oliveira and the LGBTQ community at TAMUK.
“We have received positive responses from our customers and have seen the shirt in and out of campus,” Garza said.
Students who have already purchased the Javelina pride t-shirt are encouraging others to do the same.
“I bought it as soon as I could…other students should buy it because it looks good, is relatively cheaper than other shirts in the bookstore, and it shows your pride,” said TAMUK student Alexander Soliz.
The shirt is now on sale in the university bookstore for $19.98, but during the month of February customers can use a 25 percent off one item coupon, bringing the total cost down to $16.22.
“Not only is it a new Javelina pride t-shirt, it is also a way for the LGBTQ community to show their pride and for others to show their support of our community,” Oliveira said.
