Actors at this year’s Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7 skipped the glitz and glam in favor of making a bold statement in black — that “time’s up” on sexual harassment in the workplace.
The phrase “time’s up” has come to represent Hollywood’s response to the dozens of sexual assault and harassment allegations that have come to light in recent months and the wider, systemic misogyny that has plagued the industry.
And though the Golden Globes have now passed, the fight for justice is not over. Publishing giant Condé Nast announced today that it will auction 39 of the black gowns and tuxedos worn at this year’s Golden Globes to benefit the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund.
The defense fund will help cover legal fees for women and men who have experienced workplace sexual misconduct and is part of the larger “Time’s Up” initiative, which describes itself as a “unified call for change from women in entertain for women everywhere” against sexual assault, harassment, and inequality in the workplace.
Read more: Over 300 Women in Entertainment Say ‘Time’s Up’ on Sexual Harassment
The initiative began as a response to an open letter penned by the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, which represents 700,000 female farmworkers, that was published in November after dozens of Hollywood women came forward with stories of sexual misconduct. Powerful women in entertainment from Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon to America Ferrera and Emma Watson have been vocal proponents.
The black designer dresses and tuxedos worn by acclaimed actors — including Golden Globe winners Laura Dern and Elisabeth Moss, and Global Citizens Salma Hayek and Hugh Jackman — will be open for bidding on eBay on Friday until Jan. 26, Complex reported.
Take Action: Tell World Leaders to Redouble Their Efforts By Amending Laws to Prevent Sexual Violence
Once bidding begins, auction prices are sure to rise. But for those hoping to own one of these dresses and to support the movement, for a $25 donation people could win one of three dresses being sold in a “sweepstakes.”
“Through this auction powered by eBay for Charity, and harnessing the compelling pull of both fashion and activism, we’re hopeful that the black dresses worn at this year’s historic Golden Globe Awards will raise funds for the TIME’S UP initiative, and serve to support the stories and voices of those who have been victims of sexual misconduct,” Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast, said.
Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, which oversees the Time's Up's Legal Defense Fund, is hopeful that the auction will also have a larger positive impact.
Read more: The Golden Globes Was a Night of Activism. Here’s How the Internet Responded
“Each time [actors and others in the entertainment industry have] stepped up they’ve inspired more attorneys to join the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund and more individuals to contribute,” she said.
Global Citizen campaigns in support of gender equality. You can take action here to help #LeveltheLaw and end gender-based discrimination in legislation.