Free Tibet

The whole button features a stylized design inspired by the Tibetan flag with a white border: the background is divided into alternating red and blue rays radiating from a central yellow sunburst with yellow  text across the rays. At the bottom of the button is a black-and-white silhouette of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The 1990s were a pivotal era in the global movement advocating for Tibetan independence and human rights. During this period, Tibet gained prominence in Western consciousness, particularly among youth and activist communities. The movement was galvanized by events such as the 1987–1989 Tibetan unrest, where pro-independence protests in Tibet were met with violent suppression, drawing international attention.

A significant development in the 1990s was the establishment of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) in 1994. Founded in New York City by a group of Tibetans and young supporters, SFT aimed to leverage the influence of youth to advocate for Tibetan independence and human rights. Their efforts included organizing campus events, educational campaigns, and direct actions to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet.

In 1996, the movement reached a cultural milestone with the Tibetan Freedom Concert, organized by the Beastie Boys and the Milarepa Fund. Held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the concert featured performances by prominent artists and attracted over 100,000 attendees. It was the largest benefit concert since Live Aid and marked a significant moment in the fusion of music and activism for social causes.