Biased Support.....would you....

[mykell]

so i like the waffle fries that they sell at that chicken joint, but i wont go because of the LGBT policy they have, i needed some craft supplies but drove past that new hobby store because of that LGBT policy they have....

i only know because i now accept who i am and try to pay attention....does anyone compile a list of companies or outlets with negative LGBT policies for us to use in our decisions to support those entities....would love to have that kind of info....would be bothered that i was unknowingly supporting them while making purchases or using theyre services....so i rather not use them....

[Sara Jessica]

Ha! I can sort of relate but in a twisted way.

The chicken joint you mention puts out an annual calendar which comes with a card that earns certain freebies throughout the year. The calendar was given to me in 2014 and during that year I'd make it a point to hit up said chicken joint when on outings. I'd waltz in there in girl mode and order the freebie only, not spending another dime. Kind of my subtle protest, I guess.

[MarciManseau]

Not on topic, but I do make an effort to shop at CVS now that they refuse to sell cigarettes. One day I drove past 3 other drug stores to get to a CVS, and I told the man there at the counter what I'd done. He said a lot of other people feel the same way.

I have a few other companies I won't do business with but I won't go into all of that here.

[Sarah-RT]

Thankfully over here there is legislation to prevent discrimination so businesses can't openly promote intolerance. I don't personally know of any shops that are anti LGBT so I can shop where I please but I do think it is a good idea to boycott them.

I would not support an anti LGBT business on the grounds of myself(the trans community and everyone here), my gay friends and a relative who is a lesbian. Free speech but you won't have my money for what you say.

[pamela7]

i do, i also boycott companies selling powdered milk to mothers in Africa or those avoiding corporation tax in my country, or testing their cosmetics on animals - it gets tricky but it's one way to vote with your money.
i think also they need to know. One unscrupulous phone company ripped me off, so i made sure i got to get 100 other people to not use them - i'll tell them one day.

[CarlaWestin]

Selective patronage is, at best, a symbolic statement. In the grand scheme of things, we don't make a big impact other than the personal feel good.

But, that's OK.

I make my living from an entity that promotes gambling and other spurious pleasures that I don't partake in. I don't subscribe to the socialist/liberal inclination but, I enjoy union protection and entitlement and the acknowledgement of gender equality and respect that the corporation upholds.

I don't know. Sales of deep fried chicken parts and magic markers generally support entities outside of the stuperstitious haters so, WTF?

[Lauri K]

I if recall correctly the HRC issues at list of LGBTQ places to consider spending your money at when Christmas shopping.

I gave it to my wife, if she still has it I will scan it and post here.

Basically it listef off companies that had 100 percent adopted policies or companies that were making progress but not there 100 percent.

I know my little boycott of those stores that are anti LGBT may not make a huge difference, but I feel better knowing that my hard earned dollars are spent at supporting places that want to treat everyone equally.

This is very important issue to me, becasuse some of these companies are using their profits to support hate and discrimination against us., which is sickening to even think about. So that is part 2 of a personal boycott to consider, don't be on the wrong side of the issues by kidding your self that shopping at anti LGBT doesn't not matter, because it does and letting your dollars go towards hate and opposition groups is what can or could happen if you shop those businesses.

[CynthiaD]

I'm not part of the LGBT community, and care nothing, either way, for their agenda. I have nothing against the LGBs, but I have no kinship with them either. There are certain T issues that I care deeply about, but I don't subscribe to any political agenda. Particularly not to an agenda that I had no hand in writing.

[Katey888]

I think this works on a local basis but gets really tough on a grander scale - I agree with Carla... it's largely symbolic - which doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, but... :thinking:

How many folk are going to give up driving cars because actually oil production and use is very bad for the environment and has led to some pretty nasty wars...?
Will you reject every consumer electrical or electronic product that's made in China because politically they still persecute LGBT (and a whole load of ethnic minorities too...)? Bye-bye iPhones...

The other problem is that most muggles don't really care about anything other than themselves... I really don't see the activism of 20-30 years ago reflected in today's youth - they're all too comfy and hooked into their damned Twitter and FB and Xbox and 3D TV and.... :Pullhair: don't get me started...

:rant:

Katey x

[Sarah-RT]

There's nothing wrong with Facebook and Xbox katey your just turning into a behind the times old lady! :P

[Lauri K]

If you are interested I posted a link to the 2016 HRC Buyers Guide, I decided scanning is too much time and file size limits it here for posting. If you are interested their is a phone app on the HRC site that is very useful as well.

Alternatively if you do not care where you spend your money at, well do not proceed any further...........move along

http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-eat1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/2016_BuyersGuide.pdf

[Lorileah]

Selective patronage is, at best, a symbolic statement. In the grand scheme of things, we don't make a big impact other than the personal feel good.

But, that's OK.



I think this works on a local basis but gets really tough on a grander scale - I agree with Carla... it's largely symbolic - which doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, but... :thinking:


I think you would be surprised. If the LGBT community TRULY wanted to do something, they could. Has happened twice with multinational corporations changing public policy to regain the gay and lesbian patronage. But the point is well taken, if we don't ALL get together, the few who do won't make a dent.

Which brings me to...


I'm not part of the LGBT community, and care nothing, either way, for their agenda. I have nothing against the LGBs, but I have no kinship with them either. There are certain T issues that I care deeply about, but I don't subscribe to any political agenda. Particularly not to an agenda that I had no hand in writing.

First, yes you ARE part whether you like it or not. It impacts your life in some way. And we have discussed the 100 times on theses boards, even if you don't want to be part of the change, you will benefit from it. There is no advantage in marginalizing us from the LGB world. But maybe you don't notice things have changed be cause LGBT groups pushed (while the closet TGs stood back and watched the parade).

So you don't boycott whomever. OK, it is your right. But don't come "crying" when something goes south because of it. You don't get jobs, you don't keep your kids in a divorce, you get locked up (You don't think we could go back to that in a heart beat? Read history).

[sometimes_miss]

does anyone compile a list of companies or outlets with negative LGBT policies for us to use
We have both. good and bad. Here's one, http://www.ibtimes.com/worst-companies-work-if-youre-gay-50-fortune-500-companies-scored-zero-corporate-equality-index-20-1
those who probably don't want anything to do with anyone who's not straight as an arrow. And we have the other side of the coin here: http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/CEI-2016-FullReport.pdf

My own feelings; being a crossdresser isn't all that I am. While I won't support one of those bad companies if I have a choice, if they're the only one in town, I might buy whatever they're selling, because I'm not going to starve myself on principle. Sort of not 'cutting off one's nose to spite your face'.

Hope that helps.

[Ceera]

Yes, there are some businesses that I either will not give my money to, or which I only rarely patronize, due to their discriminatory policies or various areas. That chicken place, a certain pizza chain, and a few others. Likewise, there are certain businesses I try to give more business to because I know they gave good policies in those areas.

I don't have a very big list. There are other companies that I would prefer not to use, because they get all or nearly all of their goods from overseas, and don't offer locally (in-country) produced goods. But these days so much is outsourced to cheap overseas sourced that it is difficult to entirely follow one's conscience with spending patterns.

[TaraGrace]

hmm, who was it again that said 'even the free Tibet stickers are made in China' ?

Awareness is great, but it's 99% just marketing, remember Google's "don't be evil" ?

I've just found my company scoring 80/100 in the list provided by Sometimes_miss.
Super, but I don't think I will be outing myself to our director just yet next monday ;)

That said.. it's so hard to keep track of what companies are evil, the list goes on and on and on.. but I do try

[Sarah Beth]

I haven't been into that chicken place for at 15 years. While I agree that everyone has the right to their own opinion and beliefs I also have the right not to patronize places that have beliefs that I find wrong and ignorant. The same with the hobby place, although were I live it gets pretty hard to try to avoid every place that has such narrow minded conservative opinions. I have a number of other places I won't shop at for various reason like the large discount chain that claims to sell at low prices all the time. They moved into a town where I used to live and put several of my friends out of work when the businesses they worked for had to close then the discount raised their prices up again.

[TaraGrace]

ps, you all have me (living in the Netherlands) really curious now about the chicken place.. :) any hints?
It's mentioned so many times, I'll at least try to avoid it next visit to the states.

[Sara Jessica]

I don't know why no one is mentioning the name of that chicken joint that shall not be named. I simply followed OP's lead in keeping it vague.

As for a hint, I have none. Now I'm off to find a thread about those chik(en) fil(let) a -style of bra inserts.

[Jenniferathome]

Chick-fil-A! It's no secret.

[TaraGrace]

never heard of that chain.. ran it through google, and it turned out a "chow down" video :)

something learned, thanks

[heatherdress]

Boycotting a business which opposes one's values is quite appropriate.

But it does not always work. There was a boycott effort against Chick-filet-A a few years ago - and it had the opposite effect. Sales dramatically increased.

I am not fried chicken eater but if I want a fried chicken restaurant, I would go to KFC or Popeyes.

[nikkiwindsor]

Marci, I so agree...I'll start doing the same. Nikki

[Dana44]

You think it doesn't matter. I had problem with JC Penny in 1969. Yep, in talking with them they did not listen to me a customer. I paid my bill in full and said I would not ever step foot in their store again. Have I.. nope. did they miss me. Nope but, I was pretty wealthy and spent my money elsewhere. There is more out there than one store, so spend your money elsewhere and for sure that will hurt them over time.

[LydiaL]

I am more Libertarian in my views of such. A business should have the right to their own values and policies, as long as they are not illegal. You and I can choose to purchase goods/services there, or not.

So, I will not buy anything (ever) from liberal/leftist leaning companies. Ben & Jerry's & REI for example, no Facebook. There are others. It is my right to not give them any money that could be contributed to causes that I do not agree with. Should I go on a campaign to try to get others to hurt their businesses? I think not. Life is too short to get so worked up over a chicken filet sandwich, hobby supplies, ice cream, or whatever.

IMO, those in the LGBT community that get so militant in opposing certain companies, bakers, photographers, etc, are only hurting the cause for our acceptance.

:stirthepot:

[Lorileah]

Do boycotts and bans work? Maybe it's just Colorado but ...Coors Brewing Company – The boycott against the Colorado-based beer maker began in 1973 over the company’s refusal to hire gay people, even forcing potential employees to take polygraph tests where they were asked if they were gay. The boycott was officially settled in 1995 when the company began offering domestic partner benefits to gay employees, a benefit Coors was already giving to its unmarried heterosexual employees. The company subsequently went on to sponsor the Denver Pride festival and donate to LGBT causes.

Cracker Barrel – The Tennessee-based home-cooking restaurant chain fired 11 gay employees in 1991 for violating a new policy banning the employment of persons “whose sexual preferences fail to demonstrate normal heterosexual values which have been the foundation of families in our society.” The boycott ended in 2002 when the company added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy.

Colorado – After Colorado voters passed an amendment in 1992 banning civil rights protection for LGBT people in employment and housing (and thereby nullifying such civil rights ordinances already on the books in Denver, Boulder and Aspen), LGBT people were encouraged not to vacation in the state and many national groups cancelled convention plans in the state. Boycott Colorado ended when the state’s supreme court invalidated the amendment in 1994.

[Eryn]

I'm not part of the LGBT community, and care nothing, either way, for their agenda. I have nothing against the LGBs, but I have no kinship with them either.


First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
[Martin Niemöller]

[grace7777]

Rather than just focusing on boycotts, I think time and energy is better spent focusing on patronizing merchants who are openly LGBT friendly. Let's reward people who support us.

I had laser hair removal done at a place that openly supported our community. Also, I have made it a point to go to other retail establishments that support us.

[reb.femme]

I am more Libertarian in my views of such. A business should have the right to their own values and policies, as long as they are not illegal. You and I can choose to purchase goods/services there, or not.

So, I will not buy anything (ever) from liberal/leftist leaning companies... There are others. It is my right to not give any money that could be contributed to causes that I do not agree with.


I with you LydiaL, as I often find those espousing tolerance and liberalism will not countenance any form of dissent to their cause. A somewhat lop-sided view IMHO. It's for individuals to make up their minds and campaign as they feel fit, just don't expect me to be there on the campaign/march trail too.


...Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist...

I'm totally in tune with the underlying tenet of the above quote but, if this is the same Trade Unionists that made me join their little closed shop before I could work on London Transport buses back in the 70's, then maybe there was some good to come out of this? Democracy eh? I'm not a socialist yet they were politically affiliated to a very leftist party. What is the other quote about absolute power corrupts absolutely? https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=absolute%20power%20corrupts%20absolutely%20quo te. I'm more about balance of power.


Becky

[mykell]

thanks for all the replies......


I am more Libertarian in my views of such. A business should have the right to their own values and policies, as long as they are not illegal. You and I can choose to purchase goods/services there, or not.

So, I will not buy anything (ever) from liberal/leftist leaning companies. Ben & Jerry's & REI for example, no Facebook. There are others. It is my right to not give them any money that could be contributed to causes that I do not agree with. Should I go on a campaign to try to get others to hurt their businesses? I think not. Life is too short to get so worked up over a chicken filet sandwich, hobby supplies, ice cream, or whatever.

IMO, those in the LGBT community that get so militant in opposing certain companies, bakers, photographers, etc, are only hurting the cause for our acceptance.

:stirthepot:

wasnt trying to make any type of a statement, just wanted to reward those that saw us as equals no matter where are.....


Boycotting a business which opposes one's values is quite appropriate.

But it does not always work. There was a boycott effort against Chick-filet-A a few years ago - and it had the opposite effect. Sales dramatically increased.

I am not fried chicken eater but if I want a fried chicken restaurant, I would go to KFC or Popeyes.

i remember this.....pity that result was beneficial to that chain.....


If you are interested I posted a link to the 2016 HRC Buyers Guide, I decided scanning is too much time and file size limits it here for posting. If you are interested their is a phone app on the HRC site that is very useful as well.

Alternatively if you do not care where you spend your money at, well do not proceed any further...........move along

http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-eat1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/2016_BuyersGuide.pdf

lauri your link takes us to a dead end....


I'm not part of the LGBT community, and care nothing, either way, for their agenda. I have nothing against the LGBs, but I have no kinship with them either. There are certain T issues that I care deeply about, but I don't subscribe to any political agenda. Particularly not to an agenda that I had no hand in writing.

????? i dont even know what to say when people here make this type of statement....


I think this works on a local basis but gets really tough on a grander scale - I agree with Carla... it's largely symbolic - which doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, but... :thinking:

How many folk are going to give up driving cars because actually oil production and use is very bad for the environment and has led to some pretty nasty wars...?
Will you reject every consumer electrical or electronic product that's made in China because politically they still persecute LGBT (and a whole load of ethnic minorities too...)? Bye-bye iPhones...

The other problem is that most muggles don't really care about anything other than themselves... I really don't see the activism of 20-30 years ago reflected in today's youth - they're all too comfy and hooked into their damned Twitter and FB and Xbox and 3D TV and.... :Pullhair: don't get me started...

:rant:

Katey x

sorry to cause you any angst katey, was not looking to start a movement....certainly not a war, just a symbolic statement that helps me support those that dont mind that we exist and if they are allies even better....




Ha! I can sort of relate but in a twisted way.

The chicken joint you mention puts out an annual calendar which comes with a card that earns certain freebies throughout the year. The calendar was given to me in 2014 and during that year I'd make it a point to hit up said chicken joint when on outings. I'd waltz in there in girl mode and order the freebie only, not spending another dime. Kind of my subtle protest, I guess.

where can we all get a copy so we all can through on the free chow bag...

[MarciManseau]

Marci, I so agree...I'll start doing the same. Nikki

Thanks for agreeing with me, if in fact you did mean me :) I love your pic/avatar. Nice hair :)

[MelanieAnne]

There's nothing wrong with Facebook and Xbox katey

Ummm, yeah there is. People have been killed, or committed suicide over stupid Facebook posts. And I watched my grandson and son in law turn into zombies playing Xbox games for hours and hours, never going outside, oblivious to everything around them, stopping only to eat.

[mykell]

We have both. good and bad. Here's one, http://www.ibtimes.com/worst-companies-work-if-youre-gay-50-fortune-500-companies-scored-zero-corporate-equality-index-20-1
those who probably don't want anything to do with anyone who's not straight as an arrow. And we have the other side of the coin here: http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/CEI-2016-FullReport.pdf

My own feelings; being a crossdresser isn't all that I am. While I won't support one of those bad companies if I have a choice, if they're the only one in town, I might buy whatever they're selling, because I'm not going to starve myself on principle. Sort of not 'cutting off one's nose to spite your face'.

Hope that helps.


just had time to read the links you provided,
quite comprehensive miss....

i found it very interesting with Ross being on the bad list as many here support that chain by purchasing things and posting here often....kind of the point i was trying to make....many times im sure were giving blind support to entities that want nothing to do with us while they have no issues filling theyre registers with our money....
little nickles make big dollars, wouldnt you want an ally be the benefactor of where you spend for goods and services when their is a choice.....

[michelle64]

Personally..when that group pushes a list of companies to avoid i go right out and support them...i am not giving up chick-fil-a.. me and the wife also do crafts together and we both enjoy it..u guessed it we shop at hobby lobby..i am my own person and do not need them trying to define my identity..be yourself..you might find you feel much better being you

I am most concerned about suicide rates amongst the gay kids..kids who are bullied because they do not play sports..kids form broken homes..the poor...a stupid boycott list does zilch with matters such as these which hold far greater importance than a company policy...where is the lgb????? On these issues...

[NicoleScott]

There is consensus here that you can spend your money where you choose, or not.
CynthiaD didn't directly address the boycot issue (the thread topic) but only that as a T (gender identity/expression) she does not identify with LGB (sexual preference). By a few responses to CynthiaD's post, such non-affiliation and non-participation is unacceptable. So much for personal rights. Seems hypocritical to me. (Mikell: if you don't know what to say, you don't need to post "I don't even know what to say".......but it's your right I guess....just saying.) News flash. A lot of crossdressers don't identify with LGB. Corporate ideology is a non-factor in purchasing decisions, or way down the list from quality and value.

In response to the same-sex marriage controversy a few years ago, and for various "official" reasons, many universities no longer have a Chick-fil-A presence on campus. I wonder if these universities will decline a Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl invitation (and millions of dollars payout) if their football team should earn one.