About

Tea4T is an art fundraising project, raising money for Southern Equality's Trans Youth Emergency Project, organized by Leslie Levings and Shing Yin Khor.

Participating artists include: Leslie Levings, Shing Yin Khor, Shirley Jackson, Brody Scotland, Thanate, Milla Istomila, Eva Funderburgh, Irena Li and more.

The Tea4T store opens on April 29th at noon Pacific, and will remain open until May 3rd.

FAQs

What are tea pets?

In Chinese tea culture, it's a little clay figure that sits on the tea tray. You might choose a creature that represents virtues you appreciate, and you share your tea with this little pal by pouring out the first steep over them. We aren't making traditional tea pets - think of them as little tea familiars (or little guys)?

okay but WHY tea pets?

Hi, Leslie here! If you've known me for more than five minutes, you've heard me talk about my brother, Dillon. He's trans, he's the most adorable little goober on the planet, and over the last few years he's become a huge appreciator of Chinese tea and much of the culture and ritual around it. It's like his main hobby these days, and he loves to share his newfound passion with anyone he can pour a cup for. As his big sister, it's my duty to both support and embarrass him.

I wanted to come up with a way to raise some money to push back against the darkness that's looming over all of us these days, and doing something for trans causes inspired by my brother felt like a nice way to do that.

can I pick my own tea pet?

They are sent out randomly, but at the $150 tier, you can tell us your favorite artist or animal, and we'll try our best to find you a good match.