This may be old news to some, and how I missed this I have no idea. Thought I would share this article from Huffo. Here are 7 companies that will not support gay rights
that prove this to be true. In this time and date, and the climate in business and retail, where every sale counts, I don't understand why any companies would hurt employees or turn business away. I know I work hard for my money and I will refuse to spill any more money with these companies, not that I ever shopped and dined any, but for sure now won't. And I could never take Wal-Mart, the two times I was in one, I felt I needed a bath when I came out, not to mention the screaming brats, and big guts hanging out. Cheap prices or not.
1. Chick-fil-A
I'm pretty sure we all remember when Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy came out as being "very much" against gay marriage. "We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that...we know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."
I'm pretty sure we all remember when Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy came out as being "very much" against gay marriage. "We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that...we know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."
What followed those remarks in 2012 were protests, boycotting, but yet sales went up 12 percent. Since then the company remains about in the same standing with a Chick-fil-A opening somewhere for every one that closes.
2. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters, which also owns Free People and Anthropology, is so bad in so many ways. From racism to only having two women on the board of directors (one of whom is the president and founder's wife), to ripping off independent designers by stealing their ideas, Urban Outfitters can also add anti-gay sentiments to their list. In 2008, president and founder Richard Hayne donated $13,150 to Rick Santorum's campaign, aka his failed attempt at procuring the presidency. Granted, it's not a large amount, but to support someone who is so adamantly anti-gay rights on every level does say a lot about the man behind the brand. The CEO also will not buy product from any vendor to sell in their store if that company supports equal rights That same year the store also pulled an "I Support Same Sex Marriage," t-shirt from the shelves after only a week. So, you do the math. They may offer coverage to same-sex marriages, but don't be fooled; it's likely all in the name of business like Wal-Mart, another offender of discrimination of gay and lesbian rights.
Urban Outfitters, which also owns Free People and Anthropology, is so bad in so many ways. From racism to only having two women on the board of directors (one of whom is the president and founder's wife), to ripping off independent designers by stealing their ideas, Urban Outfitters can also add anti-gay sentiments to their list. In 2008, president and founder Richard Hayne donated $13,150 to Rick Santorum's campaign, aka his failed attempt at procuring the presidency. Granted, it's not a large amount, but to support someone who is so adamantly anti-gay rights on every level does say a lot about the man behind the brand. The CEO also will not buy product from any vendor to sell in their store if that company supports equal rights That same year the store also pulled an "I Support Same Sex Marriage," t-shirt from the shelves after only a week. So, you do the math. They may offer coverage to same-sex marriages, but don't be fooled; it's likely all in the name of business like Wal-Mart, another offender of discrimination of gay and lesbian rights.
3. Exxon
Based out of Texas, the huge oil company has been fighting for years against non-discrimination protection and equal benefits coverage for their employees. For the 14th year, the issue was on the table for the shareholders' meeting this past spring, and for the 14th year, Exxon wouldn't budge.
Based out of Texas, the huge oil company has been fighting for years against non-discrimination protection and equal benefits coverage for their employees. For the 14th year, the issue was on the table for the shareholders' meeting this past spring, and for the 14th year, Exxon wouldn't budge.
They've even taken extreme measures to try to erase the agenda all together: Last year the company went so far as to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission for a ruling that it needn't keep including the proposal on its ballot, but was rejected.
And although before Mobil was acquired by Exxon, they had policies to protect discrimination against gay men and lesbians, and even offered benefits to same-sex couples, Exxon took that all away once it had Mobil in its clutches in 1999. It did the same thing to XTO Energy in 2009.
Exxon, it doesn't matter if you extended benefits to same-sex couples. We all know you did it, because you had no choice, and not because you believed it to be the right thing to do.
4. The Salvation Army
If those ringing bells every holiday season weren't enough to make you not want to donate, this will.
You'd think as a charitable organization The Salvation Army would be all about charity. However, that's not exactly the case. "The Salvation Army has a history of active discrimination against gays and lesbians. While you might think you're helping the hungry and homeless by dropping a few dollars in the bright red buckets, not everyone can share in the donations," Bil Browning notes on The Bilerico Project. "The organization also has a record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for anti-gay policies — including an attempt to make consensual gay sex illegal." If that doesn't make you feel uneasy, then how about the fact that they believe gays need to be put to death? Major Andrew Craibe, a Salvation Army Media Relations Director, went on public radio hosted by journalist Serena Ryan, to discuss a recent call by LGBTQ parents for a boycott of the nonprofit for its anti-gay policies and beliefs.Ryan questioned Craibe about Salvation Story: Salvationist Handbook of Doctrine, the manual used to train Salvation Army "soldiers" and members. Several chapters refer to the sin of homosexuality, including a section that cites Romans 1:18-32, which includes a admonition that homosexuals "deserved to die."
If those ringing bells every holiday season weren't enough to make you not want to donate, this will.
You'd think as a charitable organization The Salvation Army would be all about charity. However, that's not exactly the case. "The Salvation Army has a history of active discrimination against gays and lesbians. While you might think you're helping the hungry and homeless by dropping a few dollars in the bright red buckets, not everyone can share in the donations," Bil Browning notes on The Bilerico Project. "The organization also has a record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for anti-gay policies — including an attempt to make consensual gay sex illegal." If that doesn't make you feel uneasy, then how about the fact that they believe gays need to be put to death? Major Andrew Craibe, a Salvation Army Media Relations Director, went on public radio hosted by journalist Serena Ryan, to discuss a recent call by LGBTQ parents for a boycott of the nonprofit for its anti-gay policies and beliefs.Ryan questioned Craibe about Salvation Story: Salvationist Handbook of Doctrine, the manual used to train Salvation Army "soldiers" and members. Several chapters refer to the sin of homosexuality, including a section that cites Romans 1:18-32, which includes a admonition that homosexuals "deserved to die."
Yes, a human being, in 2013, thinks another human being should die simply because they're gay. Want to donate to a company that isn't using its money to support the anti-gay ideology? Then hit up the American Red Cross and give them some blood or your coins.
5. Purina
If you don't want your dollars to go to a company that isn't exactly gay-friendly, then put down the Beggin' Strips and Fancy Feast. Not only did Purina score a 45 out of a possible 100 on the Human Rights Campaign scale, but they also gave into the demands of the American Family Association. When asked to pull ads from Saturday Night Live because it was deemed "immoral," Purina succumbed to the demand. Yes, this was years ago, but some things never change.
If you don't want your dollars to go to a company that isn't exactly gay-friendly, then put down the Beggin' Strips and Fancy Feast. Not only did Purina score a 45 out of a possible 100 on the Human Rights Campaign scale, but they also gave into the demands of the American Family Association. When asked to pull ads from Saturday Night Live because it was deemed "immoral," Purina succumbed to the demand. Yes, this was years ago, but some things never change.
Currently, the company doesn't provide a policy that protects gender identity or expression, nor does it offer health care coverage for partners of their gay employees. But hey! It does provide "soft benefits," which means your partner can get a discount on their Puppy Chow!
6. Boy Scouts of America
Perhaps, the Boy Scouts of America don't fall under the guise of a company per se, but as an organization that relies on donations, it's good to know where your money is going should you choose to hand it over to these folks.The Boy Scouts of America live by two major rules: believing in God and not being gay. To not adhere to either one, means there is no place for you in the organization.Thanks to the urging of open-minded board members and an evolving society as a whole, the BSA decided to allow openly gay boys to join as of January 1st, 2014, but there is still no budging on letting openly gay men be leaders. That’s a debate that’s likely to go on for years, but some progress is better than none at all.However, the Girl Scouts of U.S.A. don't take a stance on the gay issues. In 2011, they even permitted a transgendered Colorado girl to join, explaining, "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout." So, keep on buying those cookies, you guys!
Perhaps, the Boy Scouts of America don't fall under the guise of a company per se, but as an organization that relies on donations, it's good to know where your money is going should you choose to hand it over to these folks.The Boy Scouts of America live by two major rules: believing in God and not being gay. To not adhere to either one, means there is no place for you in the organization.Thanks to the urging of open-minded board members and an evolving society as a whole, the BSA decided to allow openly gay boys to join as of January 1st, 2014, but there is still no budging on letting openly gay men be leaders. That’s a debate that’s likely to go on for years, but some progress is better than none at all.However, the Girl Scouts of U.S.A. don't take a stance on the gay issues. In 2011, they even permitted a transgendered Colorado girl to join, explaining, "If a child identifies as a girl and the child's family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout." So, keep on buying those cookies, you guys!
7. Cracker BarrelIt's almost a laughable stereotype that Cracker Barrel would be racist and anti-gay because of its southern roots, but of course, there's nothing funny about a company that doesn't treat its employees equally.In 1991, 11 employees were fired for not displaying "normal heterosexual values," as was prescribed by an intra-company memo. Although founder Dan Evins later called this policy a "mistake," the attitude remains.Since 2008, Cracker Barrel has jumped from 15 to 35 on the HRC scale, but that’s not much. It also has yet to include same-sex couples in its benefits coverage and doesn’t have a non-discrimination policy that protects "gender identity and/or expression," according to HRC.It should also be noted that in 2004, the US Justice Department, after a long investigation, found that the chain restaurant had segregated customers, seated and served white customers before black customers, and allowed for white servers to refuse to wait on black customers.
Interesting report there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, hon. It's truly appalling that anyone with a shred of common decency would support these companies. Yes, they have the right to say what ever the hell they want, but discrimination is more than the line in the sand... it's a god damn brick wall. - - Uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm pretty selective about where I shop, what I feed myself and my dog and to who I donate. None of these companies have ever had any appeal to me as have a number of others including AutoZone,McDonalds, WalMart and Sears. I may have purchased Barilla but found it coincidentally funny that when this story came out, the grocery at which I do most of my shopping was discounting all their products and discontinuing selling them.
ReplyDeleteA couple of these did shock me. I also won't eat at McDonalds either. After the story broke about a tans guy transiting to a woman was beaten up by several customers and the employees stand laughing and didn't call the police for help. I was appalled. And they never did hold anyone accountable. I'll drive 50 miles out of my way before eating at one.
ReplyDeleteAs most of you know, the Salvation Army will be sending their bell ringers out in full force soon.
ReplyDeleteHere is a clever idea to send a message to them that bigotry will not be tolerated.
Go to this site and print out the "Queer Dollars."
An image made to resemble a $3 US dollar bill; it features an image of Audre Lorde in the middle, a gay pride flag on the left, and a trans* pride flag on the right. The text reads "when the Salvation Army ends its policy of religious bigotry against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, then, and only then, will this be a real dollar bill. This bill is not legal tender"
Here is a link: http://thecrankypantsrant.blogspot.com/2012/11/queer-dollars-salvation-army-protest.html
So according to you we should not give Salvation Army bell ringers any money money that helps the poor and sick because they are against gay marriage , that's very nice of you
DeleteDid you actually read the article above? Whether your gay or straight, no one deserves to die because of sexual preference dude.
Delete@chet- First off Dear, The Salvation not only discriminates against the GLBT, they treat their workers as third-class citizens. "After warning the Salvation Army that it must meet minimum wage standards, even at the risk of depleting its social programs, the Federal Labor Department said that it would find a way to allow the nonsectarian group to continue its century-old practice of paying workers only a token wage while they undergo rehabilitation. Then later, the department told the Salvation Army it was violating Federal laws because the people who unload trucks and do kitchen work at 118 adult social-service centers around the country are not paid the minimum wage of $3.80 an hour."
DeleteSecondly, I and my drag shows raise money, money which I in turn give to charities, all of it, not a potion, within the gay community , who have poor and sick, and I also give to other charities of my choice. So pardon me, if I don't want to give my money to a charity that has those beliefs.
So let me get this,straight, dear, your boycotting them because they have different beliefs from you?!?!? Sorry, but shouldn't the sick and poor come first? This is just funny to me.
DeleteYes, I agree with Betty. While they are not a evil organization, there are many charities that are NOT homophobic that deserve my dollars more.
Delete@ chet- Well denying people equality would be good enough reason alone to not donate since to be "nice" they could simply change their hateful views and get the donations. I'm sure you would be dumbfounded and beyond enraged if somebody claimed you were the bad guy by not supporting an organization calling you your living your life wrong and want you to die. No I'll give me monies to others.
DeleteAgreed. There are plenty of other charities to give to besides Salvation Army, ones who don't discriminate, and who get a greater percentage of the monies to those in need.
DeleteOk, still not getting my point.is the wig too tight?
DeleteI always thought Chick-fil-A could choke their chicken. I meant choke ON their chicken.
ReplyDeleteUrban Outfitters? Who are they again?
ReplyDeleteI don't patronize any of them.
ReplyDeleteThey can all f**k off.
Ignorant bitches indeed! I good friend of our worked at Cracker Barrel for some time, till one year they saw him at the local Pride festival. While Harrisburg as the law you can't be fired for being gay in the Harrisburg city limits, he didn't get fired, but the manger and several co-workers made his life hell, with chores, impossible hours, and the worst shifts, not approving time off...... till he finally quit.
ReplyDeleteI avoid Chick fil A because they endorse poor spelling and their food is revolting and I would not lower myself to eat at Cracker Barrel anyway. The other companies are easily avoided, as I never used any of them. I remember my son working at The Gap with a bunch of his friends who were gay. The company was very good with gay equal rights and treatment Is the Gap even still around? I never see ads or magazine adverts, and all the ones around here closed. Shame if they did.
ReplyDeleteLol!!!!! Yes, I too had friends worked there and enjoyed it. I have no idea about the Gap. They all closed around here. The only one I know of is in King of Prussia Mall....i think. I haven't shopped there since the mid nineties.
DeleteI think I hear about this list and I may have even saw the article. I too would add Auto Zone. I was there once and long story short they did awful work on a simple repair. After much ado, I was called a,faggot. Never sid get rectified. I also know they have no same sex benefits and are not favorable on equal rights for woman and gays.
ReplyDeleteI didnt know about that. I have a mechanic and he's good. He fits me in everytime. I scratch his back and he's scratches mine.
DeleteBigots. Period. And I never could stand that dump UrbanOutfitters.
ReplyDeleteI CAN'T stand Wal-Mart, for various reason, to many to mention here.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about Purina. I always avoided their cat food because it made Ricky (RIP) projectile vomit!
ReplyDeleteThe shocker here is Purina. *sigh* I guess I need to sit down with Winston and explain why we're going to be changing his food. Unfortunately we're fairly stocked up (EQ preparedness you know). Oh what shall I feed this finicky 8-year old??
ReplyDelete