36 N.C. Breweries Are Fighting Bigotry With Beer

Bummed by anti-LGBT legislation in North Carolina? Here's a novel way to fight it: Drink beer.

Thirty-six breweries in the Southern state have banded together to brew Don't Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison.

As of the time this article was posted, a Kickstarter campaign to create the brew has raised over $24,000, which well exceeds its goal of $1,500.

All of the profits of the beer, which will be released in May, benefit two LGBT groups. The first, Equality North Carolina, is fighting the newly passed House Bill 2, which struck down down LGBT-inclusive municipal antidiscrimination ordinances and prohibits cities from adopting any new ones. It also expressly requires transgender people to use public bathrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender identity.

The second group, QORDS, coordinates a summer camp for LGBT youth.

Erik Lars Myers, the head of Mystery Brewing Co., helmed the hoppy campaign alongside Keil Jansen, who owns Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

"We didn't feel like HB2 represented us as businesses or as residents of North Carolina," Myers told NPR.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction, but nothing short of repeal fixes this law."

Watch a news report on the beer's launch below, and learn more at the coalition's Kickstarter page.