Street artist Yaya, also known as “youralrightyouare,” recently made headlines for taking a stand against a transphobic billboard in Keighley, West Yorkshire. The controversial billboard was part of an ad campaign by the conservative newspaper, the Telegraph, and featured a message questioning whether transgender women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
In response to this divisive message, Yaya created a playful and eye-catching revision to the billboard using a large Dachshund named Saveloy. The enormous orange cartoon dog, with a benign smile and blue speckles, was designed using chunky Posca markers and Molotow spray paint. Saveloy was then pasted over the Telegraph’s billboard, replacing the transphobic ad with a more lighthearted and inclusive image.
Yaya explained that they were inspired to create Saveloy after seeing the original ad and feeling compelled to combat its transphobic undertones. Rather than responding with aggressive rhetoric, Yaya chose to create something absurd and non-offensive that would bring joy to onlookers. The decision to use a whimsical character like Saveloy was a deliberate choice to spread positivity and counteract the negativity of the original billboard.
The response to Saveloy has been overwhelmingly positive, with the image quickly gaining traction on social media. After Yaya shared photos of Saveloy on Instagram, the cartoon Dachshund became a viral sensation, even earning a spot on the popular WeRateDogs social media account. The post featuring Saveloy garnered over 70,000 likes, showcasing the power of art to spark meaningful conversations and promote inclusivity.
As Saveloy continues to capture the hearts of viewers online, Yaya hopes that this is just the beginning of the impact their artwork will have. By using creativity and humor to address serious issues, Yaya’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of art in advocating for social change and fostering a more inclusive society.
