As attacks on the transgender community and their rights in the US rocket – over 240 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed to state legislatures in 2022 alone, most against the trans community – writer-directors Lily and Lana Wachowski are joining Ariana Grande in a new initiative aimed at supporting and defending young trans people. The directorial siblings are auctioning off memorabilia from some of their most iconic films and shows, including The Matrix, with all the money going to a fund to protect trans youth, set up by the Thank U Next singer on trans day of visibility earlier this month.
“Hi youse! So me and Lana have been doing some spring cleaning at our Raiders of the Lost Ark warehouse and have happily decided to pass on some of the best treasures we’ve been collecting over the years!! No ark of the covenants but some pretty major and magical artifacts!” Lily said in a tweet, adding: “the best part is all proceeds go to [Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund]. Buy some cool sh*t and stand the f*ck up for trans lives!”
There are some wild items in the auction too. Of the nearly 200 pieces being sold off, you can put in a bid for items used on-screen including prop guns, pill boxes, a drug kit, a baptismal font, cough syrup and a box of tampons used in Sense 8, a prop high-fi rifle, licence plate and brick y2k futuristic Samsung phone from The Matrix and a Guy Fawkes mask from V for Vendetta (2005), which the Wachowskis wrote the screenplay for. You can also get a segway used in the movie Speed Racer (2008) or ninja uniforms from Ninja Assassin (2009).
The Venn diagram of Channing Tatum stans and ear fetishists meets in the auction room for the pointed latex ear prosthetics worn by the actor in Jupiter Ascending (2015). There’s also signed character posters, awards and behind the scenes production notes, concept art and clapperboards from many of the movies and shows’ archives. They’re even regifting a Hawaiian poi and ring pounder gifted to The Wachowskis by the internet’s boyfriend, Keanu Reeves, during production of the first three Matrix movies. “Many very reasonable items for a variety of budgets! everything must go!!!!!” Lily added.
So far the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund has reached half of its $1.5 million target, with Ariana herself promising to match all donations up to the goal. “Please join me in donating to this fundraiser which will provide critical funds to organisations providing direct services to trans youth and advocating for the rights of trans youth in states currently targeted by anti-trans policies,” a note from Ariana on the fundraiser page states, along with a full list of all the charities it will benefit.
Check out all of the items in the ‘Enter the Matrix: The Wachowski Collection’ auction here or donate to the fundraiser directly here.