The city of West Hollywood launched a public-awareness campaign – “Only Yes Means Yes” – to encourage awareness about sexual assault and the importance of consent.

Mayor Lauren Meister helped launch the “Only Yes Means Yes” campaign. (photo courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)

The city produced 20,000 colorful drink coasters to distribute to local bars and restaurants, and the effort will be supported on the city’s social media handles with the hashtag #onlyyes.

“We’ve gotten many positive responses from our local bars and restaurants about this effort, and I’m excited that this campaign will encourage important conversations among people in West Hollywood about communication and mutual consent,” West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister, at the campaign launch event on Sunday, July 10 at West Hollywood Park’s Robertson Lawn. ‘Only Yes Means Yes’ is a message we can all embrace.”

Members of the West Hollywood City Council, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station, Block by Block Security Ambassadors, and the City of West Hollywood’s Women’s Advisory Board and Public Safety Commission walked to area bars and restaurants to distribute coasters for approximately 90 minutes.

The campaign uses graphics inspired by roadway directional signage. The message is serious, but the creative direction is colorful and direct to ensure that messages are received.

The campaign, which is funded by the city of West Hollywood, is coordinated by the city’s Public Safety and Communications Departments.

For information, call (323)848-6414, or visit www.weho.org.