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MAP Merch Shop: Difference between revisions
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__NOTOC__[[File:Mms banner2.png|thumb|Example of goods for sale at MMS]] | __NOTOC__[[File:Mms banner2.png|thumb|Example of goods for sale at MMS]] | ||
'''MAP Merch Shop''' ('''MMS''', [https://mapmerch.shop mapmerch.shop], f. Mar, 2023) is a commercial [[Minor Attracted Person|MAP]] merchandise venture | '''MAP Merch Shop''' ('''MMS''', [https://mapmerch.shop mapmerch.shop] or [https://mmsnw.com mmsnw.com], f. Mar, 2023) is a commercial [[Minor Attracted Person|MAP]] merchandise venture started by [[Katie Cruz]] - a [[MAP Movement|MAP Activist]] and graphical designer known for almost two decades in the [[Minor attracted community|community]]. The site markets a range of merchandise and clothing using the same affiliates and drop-shipping methods used by other retailers of bespoke goods. | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
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Designs featured on the site include established MAP logos, such as the [[BLogo]], [[GLogo]] and the more recent [[MAP Flag]] in a few of its variations. A Progress Pride Flag can also be found on the site, which markets itself as inclusive to [[Queer]] people. | Designs featured on the site include established MAP logos, such as the [[BLogo]], [[GLogo]] and the more recent [[MAP Flag]] in a few of its variations. A Progress Pride Flag can also be found on the site, which markets itself as inclusive to [[Queer]] people. | ||
In early 2025, MAP Merch Shop went on hiatus, as Katie stepped away due to health reasons. In September 2025, MAP Merch Shop reopened with a new owner, and Katie remained on the team as Creative Director and a vendor. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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==Controversy== | ==Controversy== | ||
[[File:MMS Trolling GAG.jpg|thumb|alt=A screenshot of MAP Merch Shop with an antagonistic message directed at GAG, featuring a product made to troll them. The message reads: "Hey GAG, cry about it! Boo Fuckin Hoo!" |Screenshot of MMS trolling GAG<ref>[https://mapmerch.shop/product/mean-tweets-gag-boo-fuckin-hoo-matte-posters/ MAP Merch Shop - Mean Tweets GAG Boo Fuckin Hoo Matte Posters]</ref>]] | |||
Surprisingly, after over two years of operation, the site has proved more controversial within the MAP community than outside of it. | Surprisingly, after over two years of operation, the site has proved more controversial within the MAP community than outside of it. | ||
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*The ability to pay with Monero (a privacy-focused crypto coin) was added, but has since been discontinued due to lack of customers using this payment method.<ref>[https://amapin.love/2024/10/10/map-merch-shop-is-discontinuing-monero-as-a-payment-option/ A MAP In Love - MAP Merch Shop is Discontinuing Monero As A Payment Option]</ref> | *The ability to pay with Monero (a privacy-focused crypto coin) was added, but has since been discontinued due to lack of customers using this payment method.<ref>[https://amapin.love/2024/10/10/map-merch-shop-is-discontinuing-monero-as-a-payment-option/ A MAP In Love - MAP Merch Shop is Discontinuing Monero As A Payment Option]</ref> | ||
The site owner has responded to these criticisms by pointing out that the chances of her ever turning a profit from this kind of venture are marginal, and that the project has novelty value as an openly MAP-owned venture and exercise of free-speech rights. She pledged any revenues exceeding her costs to her ongoing activism, and otherwise helping other MAPs and their organizations. | The former site owner has responded to these criticisms by pointing out that the chances of her ever turning a profit from this kind of venture are marginal, and that the project has novelty value as an openly MAP-owned venture and exercise of free-speech rights. She pledged any revenues exceeding her costs to her ongoing activism, and otherwise helping other MAPs and their organizations. | ||
===Outside of the community: Right-wing outrage and mainstream acknowledgement=== | ===Outside of the community: Right-wing outrage and mainstream acknowledgement=== | ||
MMS has occasionally been mentioned on Twitter threads (featured above), in what have generally been received as unsuccessful and unsophisticated attempts to scandalize the venture.<ref>[https://x.com/againstgrmrs/status/1751292918487199862 A further thread initiated by] [[Gays Against Groomers]]</ref> MMS is frequently a target of the anti-MAP hate group [[Gays Against Groomers]]. Katie responded by mocking GAG and introducing a product that trolls them for losing their product distributors. | MMS has occasionally been mentioned on Twitter threads (featured above), in what have generally been received as unsuccessful and unsophisticated attempts to scandalize the venture.<ref>[https://x.com/againstgrmrs/status/1751292918487199862 A further thread initiated by] [[Gays Against Groomers]]</ref> MMS is frequently a target of the anti-MAP hate group [[Gays Against Groomers]]. Katie responded by mocking GAG and introducing a product that trolls them for losing their product distributors. | ||
The first arguably mainstream attention for the project came from the London free-sheet, ''Metro'', in which investigative journalist Daisy Maskell said she found the concept disturbing as it went beyond prevention and openly celebrated the MAP identity.<ref>[https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/09/discovered-murky-world-minor-attracted-people-even-disturbing-think-23594331/ Daisy Maskell's Metro piece]</ref> | The first arguably mainstream attention for the project came from the London free-sheet, ''Metro'', in which investigative journalist Daisy Maskell said she found the concept disturbing as it went beyond prevention and openly celebrated the MAP identity.<ref>[https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/09/discovered-murky-world-minor-attracted-people-even-disturbing-think-23594331/ Daisy Maskell's Metro piece]</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 17:39, 4 December 2025
MAP Merch Shop (MMS, mapmerch.shop or mmsnw.com, f. Mar, 2023) is a commercial MAP merchandise venture started by Katie Cruz - a MAP Activist and graphical designer known for almost two decades in the community. The site markets a range of merchandise and clothing using the same affiliates and drop-shipping methods used by other retailers of bespoke goods.
At MAP Merch Shop, we understand the importance of expressing your identity and showing pride in who you are. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer a wide variety of high-quality products designed specifically for the MAP community.
Our collection includes a range of unique designs that allow MAPs to showcase their pride and share their identity with the world. From mugs featuring iconic MAP symbols to clothing with bold statements, we have something for everyone.[1]
Designs featured on the site include established MAP logos, such as the BLogo, GLogo and the more recent MAP Flag in a few of its variations. A Progress Pride Flag can also be found on the site, which markets itself as inclusive to Queer people.
In early 2025, MAP Merch Shop went on hiatus, as Katie stepped away due to health reasons. In September 2025, MAP Merch Shop reopened with a new owner, and Katie remained on the team as Creative Director and a vendor.
Gallery
-
Further example of goods (Youth Attracted Person (YAP) Flag) -
![One of the fringe-conservative semi-virals featuring the venture. See also livestreamer, Oreo Express[2]](/wiki/images/thumb/BergquamMMS.png/120px-BergquamMMS.png)
One of the fringe-conservative semi-virals featuring the venture. See also livestreamer, Oreo Express[2]
![One of the fringe-conservative semi-virals featuring the venture. See also livestreamer, Oreo Express[2]](/wiki/File:BergquamMMS.png)
Controversy
Surprisingly, after over two years of operation, the site has proved more controversial within the MAP community than outside of it.
Within the community: Operational Security
It has been argued that:
- Bespoke goods can be ordered more affordably from independent retailers.
- Customer details might be leaked accidentally or harvested by third parties (the owner introduced analogue ordering in response to these concerns).
- The site owner is seeking to profit from the venture.
- The ability to pay with Monero (a privacy-focused crypto coin) was added, but has since been discontinued due to lack of customers using this payment method.[4]
The former site owner has responded to these criticisms by pointing out that the chances of her ever turning a profit from this kind of venture are marginal, and that the project has novelty value as an openly MAP-owned venture and exercise of free-speech rights. She pledged any revenues exceeding her costs to her ongoing activism, and otherwise helping other MAPs and their organizations.
Outside of the community: Right-wing outrage and mainstream acknowledgement
MMS has occasionally been mentioned on Twitter threads (featured above), in what have generally been received as unsuccessful and unsophisticated attempts to scandalize the venture.[5] MMS is frequently a target of the anti-MAP hate group Gays Against Groomers. Katie responded by mocking GAG and introducing a product that trolls them for losing their product distributors.
The first arguably mainstream attention for the project came from the London free-sheet, Metro, in which investigative journalist Daisy Maskell said she found the concept disturbing as it went beyond prevention and openly celebrated the MAP identity.[6]
Giving Back
From the beginning, MAP Merch Shop has given back to the MAP community, by allowing individual vendors to donate proceeds of their products to MAP organizations and spaces. After the start of the 2023 war in Gaza, Katie introduced the I Stand With Children campaign, pledging that 100% of the proceeds from I Stand With Children branded merch goes to a children's organization of the customer's choice.[7][8][9]
External links
References
- ↑ A MAP in Love: Introduction to MMS
- ↑ Oreo Express- Twitter
- ↑ MAP Merch Shop - Mean Tweets GAG Boo Fuckin Hoo Matte Posters
- ↑ A MAP In Love - MAP Merch Shop is Discontinuing Monero As A Payment Option
- ↑ A further thread initiated by Gays Against Groomers
- ↑ Daisy Maskell's Metro piece
- ↑ A MAP In Love - I Stand With Children campaign
- ↑ MAP Merch Shop - Product Tag - I Stand With Children
- ↑ MAP Merch Shop - Giving Back