“Far From Over” Pride collection bridges past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Conducted by Lambda Legal Senior Content Manager Lake Geslani
Lambda Legal is proud to launch an exclusive Pride merch collaboration with Transfigure Print Co., a queer and trans-led print collective based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Titled “Far From Over”, the new collection is both a tribute to the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and a reminder of the ongoing fight to protect queer and trans people everywhere. To protect our rights. To protect our joy. To protect our future.
Transfigure founder and proud trans man Bailey Sell created the main merch design using archival materials sourced from the Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library and Archives in Chicago. Imagery such as photos from ‘70s protests and demonstrations, vintage Lambda Legal pamphlets, and magazine illustrations were woven together into one layered digital collage.
In this Q&A, Sell talks about the creative process behind the design, trans joy and visibility, and how looking back at LGBTQ+ history can offer us a resilient path forward.
Purchase a “Far From Over” t-shirt, tank top, and limited edition hand-printed poster on Transfigure’s website. Pre-orders run until May 10, 2026. Transfigure is donating 50% of the profits to Lambda Legal.
Can you describe the experience of sifting through the historic Gerber/Hart archives?
I had some big feelings! Excitement that I had the honor of even looking through so many years of history firsthand. Some anxiety of touching so many important pieces of this history. There was also some sadness mixed in while sifting through protest and demonstration photography. A feeling that stuck out to me most though was Pride. It’s clear to me that the queer community has never faltered when it comes to being proud of who we are, and standing strong in what we believe in. We are resilient, and the archives are a clear indication of that.
Why is it important that queer and trans history, such as the Stonewall riots, is archived and remembered? Not just at Gerber/Hart, but through special projects like the “Far From Over” merch collection?
I think it’s important to be able to look back at moments in queer history with an understanding that what we’re going through right now may seem impossible to get through, but we’ve gotten through it before. Being able to see proof of this has created a greater sense of hope in me than ever before. Our queer and trans ancestors were fighting for us; they and the things they were able to accomplish deserve to be remembered.
How did it feel returning to your design/creative roots with this collaboration?
Incredible! As the years have gone by with Transfigure I’ve had to leave my design background behind to focus more on running the business side of things. With this project I was given the chance to channel my creative side, and when that happens it’s a big reminder of why I started Transfigure in the first place.
In the nearly 10 years Transfigure has been around, you have released hundreds of incredible designs like “Protect Trans Kids” and raised more than $120,000 for local queer communities across the country. What has been the biggest takeaway during this time?
Community is everything. The people that Transfigure has introduced me to over the years, the folks that buy our merch, my friends that have worked alongside me — none of this would have been possible without all of them. All of you. I never wanted to ever be the frontman of anything; I’m a shy guy. I wanted to create something bigger than me that highlighted just how beautiful and powerful our community is. I think I’ve done that. Through collaborations like this, and creating a space in which folks can practice mutual aid to help others in our community, I think I’ve done what I showed up to do. I’m happy with that.
What does Pride mean to you in 2026 with the ongoing attacks on our community?
We need to continue moving forward, however we can. The strength we need to do so has been given to us by all of those who came before us. These attacks are not new, and while I don’t want to undermine how truly scary they are, I just know that we are capable of standing above them. In some places in the U.S., lawmakers are trying to write us out of existence, but they can’t. The joy and love that we have for ourselves and our community is stronger, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating our resilience with my queer family this Pride month.
What does trans joy look like to you?
Trans joy lately for me has been pretty simple: Loving who I see in the mirror. It is something that I will never take for granted, especially when I went so many years not loving who was looking back at me. I also have been loving the sheer amount of people that are willing to be vocal about supporting us. While I’m a firm believer that there always could be more, it warms my heart to see so many folks show up for us right now, especially during hard times.
As trans men, our visibility is power. But it’s also a privilege. Who are you being visible for?
Owning a brick and mortar store for the last couple years has shown me first hand in what ways I’m making an impact on people’s lives. We have a lot of kids and teens come in the store, sometimes by themselves, sometimes with their parents or an older adult. The joy that comes to their face when they see flags or stickers or a shirt that reflects who they are is why I do what I do. It’s why I’m visible (even on days where I don’t want to be). The bond between them and their parent that strengthens when they get to geek out about what’s in front of them, with someone who cares about them and supports them, it can’t be beat. I do it all for them.
Purchase your “Far From Over” t-shirt, tank top, and limited edition hand printed poster on Transfigure’s website today. Head here to learn more about Lambda Legal’s tireless work fighting for trans rights.