At most dinner tables, the mention of politics can really change the mood of the conversation. This societal norm may be shifting though, as LA-based clothing store American Apparel has started to support Immigrant and Gay rights by selling t-shirts carrying slogans for both causes.

What would your conservative mom say if you sat down for meatloaf proclaiming your support to “Legalize Gay” across your chest?

American Apparel was founded by Dov Charney, a Canadian native who split his childhood between the US and his hometown of Montreal. During his upbringing, he was fascinated by the juxtaposition of the two cultures. He was especially intrigued by American culture and admired American-made products. This interest created the premise for his company, which assures that all of its clothing is manufactured in the US and promises a fair wage to all of his workers.

While the vision for the merchandise is based on simple, colorful, and plain apparel that is all manufactured in the US, it typically does not include graphics or messages on its clothing. The store, famous at many universities as a resource for theme parties and for Halloween costumes, has recently expanded its scope to include campaigns that express the company’s political and social views.

The “Legalize LA” campaign began in order to support the immigrants that are often discriminated against because of what American Apparel deems misconceptions. These misconceptions convince the American public that immigrants are bad for the American economy and society instead of highlighting the benefits that they offer to our country.

“It would destroy the economy if you deported them [the immigrants]. They are here, yes, against the law, but they’re here with the complicity of the U.S. government. The U.S. government deliberately looked away since 1986, the last time we had immigration reform,” said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in a statement to the press.

American Apparel supports and encourages immigrants’ rights and shows this support through several of Charney’s unprecedented tactics in his factory.

The founder takes care of his workers both inside the factory and beyond it. According to an article on the clothing line’s website, PRWeek described the conditions under which American Apparel workers thrive. On-site massages, wages well above the minimum wage, health insurance, a mobile health clinic, language classes, and immigration assistance are all perks to being an American Apparel factory worker.

Charney’s commitment to the campaign reaches the consumer by exiting the realm of the factory and displaying it on the merchandise itself through the “Legalize LA” slogan. All proceeds from the shirts are donated to organizations that promote immigration reform and that can improve the state of immigrants in this country.

“I have seen literal sweat shops in downtown LA,” said Occidental College junior Nonda Hanneman. “American Apparel and Dov Charney are really setting an example and helping the people who really need it.”

Recently, with the passing of Proposition 8 in California banning gay marriage, American Apparel has expanded its activism to include a “Legalize Gay” campaign. What started as t-shirts made for a protest turned into the company’s newest venture. The campaign directly targets California’s Prop 8 and advocates for its repeal.

Once again, the store is reaching out to a demographic that California is discriminating against. However, according to SFist.com, the company is benefiting from the sales of the shirts instead of feeding the profits into an organization to help these people change their situation.

Although Charney’s efforts are admirable, the public has to wonder what these controversial issues are doing to his profits. “We stand by our product, our workers and our political views,” said an American Apparel employee in Palo Alto, California who wished to remain anonymous. “It is important to point out what needs to be changed in this country and that is what these campaigns are doing. We think that fashion is the best medium.”

Apparently the age of carrying a picket sign is over and now sentiments of protest as well as support can be expressed across our chests instead of held above our heads.