A comic-style illustration of a woman with purple hair and sunglasses riding a white horse with a blue mane, set against a purple and yellow background with a dotted pattern.

Here’s the human behind it.

Portrait of a woman with long, straight blue and purple hair, smiling, wearing hoop earrings and layered necklaces, against a black background.

For years, I wanted a t-shirt that said, “Please—don’t call me ma’am.”

Turns out, I wasn’t alone in rejecting getting old before I felt ‘old’.

That small irritation turned into something bigger: a way to say what we’re all thinking but don’t always say out loud.

We’re living through a lot. Some of it heavy, some of it ridiculous. Dark humor helps. So does honesty.

Woke and Subversive Merch is about expression—sharp, human, sometimes a little irreverent. Watching a lot of South Park helped me heal after spiritual trauma!

If something here makes you laugh, nod, or feel seen, then it’s doing its job.

Cathy S Harris

UNAPOLOGETICALLY PROGRESSIVE

UNAPOLOGETICALLY PROGRESSIVE

Not Your Average T-Shirt Shop

At Woke and Subversive Merch, we make gear for people who believe equality isn’t “too much to ask,” human rights aren’t up for debate, and sarcasm is a legitimate coping skill. Whether you're organizing, healing, protesting or simply trying to stay awake in a gaslighting world, we’ve got you covered—literally.

Sometimes the most subversive thing you can do is wear something that makes people smile and think at the same time. Humor opens doors arguments often cannot. A clever phrase or mischievous design can spark conversation while reminding us that questioning systems and caring about people are not opposing ideas.

Woke and Subversive Merch was created for people who pay attention to the world, still want to laugh, and believe compassion, critical thinking, and a little playful rebellion belong in everyday life. If something here makes you grin, nod in agreement or send it to a friend who “gets it,” then it’s doing exactly what it was meant to do.

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Featuring a confident woman holding a hanger beneath the unmistakable declaration “NOT. GOING. BACK.”, this tee speaks to resilience, determination and protecting progress that generations have fought hard to achieve.
Built for people who understand that Chicago is more than a place on a map, this lightweight cotton tee carries a message of resilience and hometown pride. Chicago: We Don't Give In
Some conversations simply aren't worth your time. This lightweight tee features a retro-inspired illustration and the unapologetic phrase "Independent Woman May Walk Away Mid-Mansplain,".
A little humor, a little skepticism, and a timely reminder wrapped into one comfortable tee. Featuring a retro pop-art design and the phrase “AI is not your boyfriend".

HUMAN FIRST

Black and white artistic depiction of a weathered sign with the word "RESIST" in bold letters, set against an urban cityscape background.

FIERCELY COMMITTED

FIERCELY COMMITTED

JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SASS

JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SASS

Founder, Cathy S. Harris

I am a trauma-informed therapist, psychedelic assisted therapist and educator who has spent decades working with people healing from trauma, including survivors of religious abuse and high-control groups. Earlier in life, I became involved in one of those groups myself and later found my way out, an experience that sharpened my awareness of power, injustice and the ways systems can shape what people believe about themselves and the world.

Along the way, I developed a deep concern for the things that continue to affect people’s lives every day: war, poverty, racism, exploitation and the many ways human dignity can be crushed.

This shop is not about preaching (I don’t do that anymore). It is about reclaiming voice. I found mine while going to college at 40 years old. I hope this shop plays a small part helping you regain yours.