WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for giving the information and an opportunity to learn more about the effect our spending dollars have on our civil rights!

Love it. I would add RockStar energy drinks which I believe is owned by that hateful Michael Savage douchebag. Plus it tastes like goat piss.

The only one we have in Australia out of those is Domino's so I'll boycott them. I prefer Pizza Hut anyways :P

Of those ten, at least five (Brown-Forman, Dominoes, Sally Army, Wal-Mart/Asda and Exxon-Mobil) could be boycotted in the UK. Southern Comfort and Jack Daniels are both hugely popular in the gay community here though, in some areas ASDA is the only major supermarket, and most people buy their petrol or deisel through intermediaries like supermarkets or local garages rather than direct from the oil companies, so it may not be an easy thing to accomplish. Also, unlike in the US we have nation-wide Civil Partnerships and almost-comprehensive hate crime and anti-discrimination laws (they don't yet cover the trans community) that are far stricter than could be permitted under the US constitution, so actually convincing British LGBTs that a boycott is a good idea in the first place will be damned hard work.

Thanks for the article, I do not patronize any of these business anyways, but I was unaware of Urban Outfitters practices. My guess is that lgbt have not moved to boycott Walmart is because they do not shop there (in large numbers) anyways.

I personally have really made an effort to funnel my pink dollars to lgbt business whenever possible. When not, my second choice is companies that employ lgbt in significant numbers. I also think it is important when donating to reevaluate your giving and the charities you are contributing to depending on what your individual criteria are, always be informed.

It is arguably harder (and possibly less apparent) for our brothers and sisters who do not live in big urban cities. I'd be curious if they have changed their spending habits at all and how so?

Automobile services, religious organizations, fast food, oil & gas companies. Shouldn't we try to to boycott these companies as a general rule always?

What a great article! This is the kind of news I really appreciate! (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the rest too, but this is great!)

I'm still going to donate to Salvation Army. They help a lot of people and children. I'm not going to possibly hurt others because they don't like me.

As for the others, if it's the cheapest or I can get a good deal there I'm still going to shop there. I'm not going to blow money to support a gay business just because they are gay. If a gay business wants my money, then get competitive and offer me either a good price or better service.

Thanks for the list! I would actually like to see what other companies are against gays so I can boycott them too! I know Cracker Barrel has had a few instances that they have fired gay employees.

nooooo not dominoes! i too am in australia and so its the only applicable one :P but thats depressing. i love dominos deep pan ;) yummerific.
oh well i need to eat healthier anyway

@tavdy79: are you sure that Brown-Forman operate in the UK? I don't konw if they do. Of course, people could refuse to buy the products that are distributed by this company. I don't think this is likely to happens since it doesn't involve a company that is trading directly in the UK. I'm more than happy to avoid shopping in Urban Outfitters (and I sent them a message congratulating them on selling the 'marriage equality' t-shirts; Wal-mart/Asda; the Salvation Army; and, Exxon.

Avoiding Exxon shouldn't be too difficult as I don't know how to drive so normally walk or take public transport everywhere.

There are, however, important differences between the UK and the US about same-sex benefits. In the UK, companies are not allowed to discriminate on the provision of benefits to married and civil partnered couples. I will need to check for myself, but I would be reluctant to avoid shopping at Asda if they have previously had a history of supporting gay rights when there was no legislative or statutory obligation to do so.

@Matt – You may be willing to help the Salvation Army, but they may not be willing to help you. Salvation Army regularly turns homeless gays away from their shelters. I think it's great you want to help folks, and I bet there are some amazing groups in your area that help people regardless of sexual orientation.

Salvation Army is at the top of my hate list.

@Timmeeeyyy:

not only homeless gays…Thge Salvation Army also has turned away gays with substance abuse issues. Plus even if you are in those substance abuse programs (some of which are residential) there are church requirements, etc.

I have followed up on the Cinemark boycott. And I live near the really nice one in Evanston, IL that has both big studio releases and art-house releases. It's a little inconvenient, yes, since many of my friends like to go there but they understand my reasons.

@Matt: I don't think anyone needs to bankrupt themselves supporting gay/gay friendly businesses, or avoiding ones who are anti-gay, but I would hope we would read these articles and take the companies' viewpoints into account when deciding where to spend our money if there is a viable alternative. How difficult is it to change the brand of vodka or tequila you drink? Or to avoid getting gas at Exxon? (where I live, Exxon is the highest priced gas anyway) And there are many more deserving charities than the Salvation Army.

Hi, I'm the VP of Communications at Domino's and I have to say that how the company is being portrayed is inaccurate and unfair. The founder of the company sold Domino's Pizza in 1998 – more than a decade ago. What he does now has nothing to do with us…in fact, the pizza company has never discriminated. A few years ago, in fact, we were listed as one of the "most improved" companies on the Human Rights Campaign's list buyer's guide.

I also just clicked on the link to the NOW story and I'm shocked that that web site is passing off as "current" something that took place more than TWENTY YEARS AGO. The issue with NOW took place in 1987. It's irresponsible and unprofessional of them to do that, and I've asked the editor to explain his reasons for a decision so ridiculous. Thank you.

Wal-Mart is on top of my list. Sam Walton had a litter of five, each of whom has a fortune of over $20 billion dollars. They get their obscene income employing over a million workers but underpaying them and denying them benefits. Many Wal-mart workers qualify for Medicare, a program for those living in poverty.

The sign should read : Wal-Mart – Always Lowest Wages ?.

Is it any surprise that Hillary Clinton spent 6 or so years as a member of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart? Here is the link to the AFL-CIO’s Wal-Mart organizing site. http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/walmart/ ?

Great list thanks.

I think a gay boycott of Jack Daniels is in order! Makers Mark is better anyway ;-)

I don't, however, think Urban Outfitters should be written to and thanked. Why? They're so desperate to increase their market share they now are willing to exploit us and then spend the money we give them to refuse us our rights? It's still owned by the same jerks, makes no sense to me. It's like Manhunt, if half of all profits are going towards our oppression why would we want to support them? Obviously not everyone thinks this way.

We have the power to create change by how and where we spend our money, always a good message to reiterate as it is so easy to forget and do what is easy. How about Home Depot? That guy is hugely homophobic and insane.

As #2-MikeDiamond notes, RockStar Energy drink is owned by wellspring of hate, the Weiner family. More info here:

http://www.thetruthaboutrockst.....ytree.html

@Chitown Kev:

We also live near that theater in Evanston. Parking in that deck is convenient and cheap, and there's plenty of other businesses nearby to stroll thru. It's going to be difficult to stay away from there since it's been our favorite theater for quite some time.

Yeah,

And there is an Urban Outfitters right next to it. I may have to go and see if they have those Marriage Equality shirts.

@Tim McIntyre: Does the company offer benefits to domestic partners nationwide or only in places that require it by law?

According to the HRC's website, Brown-Forman was a sponsor of some dinner hoo-ha they had (because aside from compiling useful lists, having dinners is sort of all they do). Odd considering that they only scored a 20 on this survey.

@Bill Perdue: WalMart workers qualify for Medicaid, which provides health care for many of those in poverty. To get Medicare, you collect Social Security Disability or retirement. WalMart employees usually also qualify for Food Stamps, so in essence the American taxpayer greatly subsidizes WalMart. Many local governments offer WalMart big tax breaks or subsidies to build stores in their towns because it "helps increase" employment. I hate WalMart, but I live in a rural area in Appalachia and although I can get my groceries at Kroger, I'm forced to go to WalMart for other things because they're pretty much the only game in town, although I do try to minimize my purchases there whenever possible.

@Bob R: You're right, it's Medicaid.

@Matt:

So if you were a Jew in Nazi Germany, you'd still support Nazi businesses because they offered you the best deal – before shipping you off to a gas chamber? I guess you're not a "big picture" kind of guy. Brilliant.

Thanks for this enlighting list. As I assume a lot of companies where we can spend our money alternatively, also support, to a lesser extent, anti LGBT issues. Maybe it would be good to create a white list with companies that do support us?
This will give us the reassurance we are spending our money to serve us, and maybe we'll create a conglomorate of companies the above mentioned blacklisted ones want to be a part of?

Thanks!

Okay check it, here I am on my lunch break reading my Queerty and chomping on my Domino's sandwhich when I read that they are one of the bigger corporate haters out there. i choked. Warn someone next time! lol Seriously, made me nauseous that I gave money to those A-holes now.

fortunately i don't support those businesses but someone really needs to let the teen community know about urban outfitters… they are big supporters and i know that all the ones my daughter knows are gay and/or gay supporters and would think twice about buying there.

@Bob R: You're right.

Your information on Urban Outfitters is carelessly pulled from other bloggers and not from reality. The viral rumor of UO pulling pro-gay tshirts is false. The Tshirt didn't sell well and therefore was marked down and taken off the shelves. The President of UrbanInc is Gay, the men's Tshirt buyer is Gay and Dick Hayne supports the gay community in other ways that are never posted on blogs. What news spreads fastest…gossip. The good that Urban does gets no recogition by independent bloggers which is sad, because it's alot more interesting.

It's always fun when the corporations come to defend themselves and post comments. Some of these companies must long for the days of old media, while others have benefited from the information that is now publicly available to all!!

@John M: Really? The Nazi comment is the best you could come up with. I highly doubt any of these companies are going to kill me for being gay. Wait, my company doesn't offer benefits or has anti gay discrmination in it's code of conduct. I guess they are going to probaby kill me shortly.

Thank you queerty those companies just lost my money until they make substantive changes and apologize.

I knew about ExxonMobil and Domino's. I won't go near them and I live in New England where both are everywhere. I didn't know about some of the others. I love these posts because I do pay attention to what the "corporate citizens" are up to and try to avoid spending money there if I can.

Sebbe is right, I am sure that companies don't like it that the public can find out what they're up to or where they stand on an issue.

Dang. And I had pizza for supper the other night at Dominos.

I feel an upchuck coming on.

i have a question about Brown-Forman Corp.

according to the HRC buying guide (which is certainly commercialism at its best) Brown-Forman isn't doing good… but it's still better than half the companies out there. there is an issue that they are not going out of their way to don the rainbow flag and tiara… certainly not when compared to fantastically supportive companies like Diageo.

but to put Brown-Forman on a "hate" list of any kind is hypocritical, isn't it? because they don't cater to the gays as much we assume that they absolutely hate us and should be shunned, boycotted and… dare i say… hated in return.

i mean, they sell Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, etc. – think of their target market here. plus, in our area… the Jack Daniels people really do a lot, working with our gay bars and such… so personally, i don't see the 'hate' being displayed.

everyone else on the list have made active, anti-gay movements. B

Great informative article, but I think you went over the line a little in a couple of cases.

For one, supplying customer service numbers for the purpose of voicing your opinion on corporate policy is just plain unfair. The people who have to work those lines have nothing to do with the top brass' decisions, and they sure don't feel like hearing about it.

I also don't appreciate you recommending that you boycott Salvation Army's Red Kettle program, as that money goes to those who need it, not to The Salvation Army. I'm not opposed to my money slipping through my enemies hands to go to those who need it. Granted, they probably wouldn't give to gay and lesbian individuals who need it, but are we against helping anyone but our own? If you want to recommend boycotting a charity, perhaps you should supply a good alternative to donate to.

Great article. I aways had a warm feeling about Salvation Army because Roz Russel donates her last dime to them in Auntie Mame and then meets Bo. Well, no more! Now I and all gays should openly sneer when we see them begging for money and as we walk away, mutter something like "up yours."

I knew about Auto Zone from personal experience with them being fairly rude and redneck-y, Pep Boys is better anyway.

Wal Mart is the only one of these that I have been to in the last year. It is one of the only places that carry the hair dye I like and they have self checkout. Of course, I have always disliked Wal Mart instinctively, and continue to, but good hair is the best revenge.

Chuck – "and they have self checkout" – lol

I am absolutely shocked at the Salvation Army! Almost unbelievable! Wal-Mart I can believe. Those people are bastards to everyone.

Let me add to the list: Chik-Fil-A! or as I call it, Dik-fil-A. They are raging homophobes!

Does anyone know an alternative to the Salvation Army that also collects clothes? Preferably one that also operates in Europe?

Wow, Urban Outfitters? I used to love that store. When are these companies going to embrace the 30 year back stroke that Coors has gone through. Gays/Lesbians don't forget.
http://www.echelonmagazine.com

Wait a minute: people still order from Domino's?

I live in a hippie neighborhood, and I can get affordable — often the cheapest in Austin — gas at an independently-owned convenience store that is friendly to just about everyone who walks in the door. Exxon/Mobil has been off my list since the merger.

I'll find a way to make things up to Santa. I just met a really hot professional gay Santa, and I'll be very very very good while sitting in his lap.

@anonymous:

Try Goodwill as opposed to a Salvation Army.
http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about

LOL. and the H8ers come out.

This is the same list I wrote about last December. (http://guydads.blogspot.com/20.....anies.html) I came up with it by doing google searches. I was hoping you had some new ones to add. I have several other great ideas for stories too, if you want to use them. Let me know.

I've never bought from AutoZone before because their prices are terrible and most of the stuff they sell isn't in the slightest bit useful unless your messing around with a truck. Guess I have reason now to stop even going over for price comparisons – they're never better but it's hard not to compare when there are 5 auto part stores in 2-3 mile radius.

True, Domino's has improved, but it still has a ways to go. You're currently at 60 on the HRC Buyer's Guide. Add domestic partner benefits and I'll start eating your pizza again.

I dropped Alltel years ago because of their low HRC Corporate Equality rating. I wrote HRC a few years ago and suggested they partner with one of the brokerage houses and start a Corporate Equality Investment Fund (mutual fund). We could buy shares, and the fund would invest partiall in pro-gay companies but also buy shares of anti-gay public companies. Then, as shareholders, we could submit shareholder proposals every year seeking revision of the corporate policy to provide things such as domestic partner benefits. It may not pass, but we/the fund could be aggressive shareholders. HRC said they'd pass it on, but nothing ever came of it.

@Rick:

Maybe it's because I live in Chicago but the idea of eating Domino's Pizza under any circumstances is revolting.

Salvation Army is the original 'hater' before the Baptists and Phed Phelps even knew what a blow job is. I worked for them almost 30 years ago and they were a bunch of cloned cotts even then.

Kev: Who'd eat Domino's when you could eat Uno's!!!

I'm reading this post while wearing an Urban Outfitters Hoodie I would feel really guilty, but I got this Hoodie for 19.99 so it was an excellent deal. Though when I went to buy that hoodie from Urban Outfitters all the guys that worked there were quite flamming and they even inquired about what cologne I was wearing and ya. It was pretty gay.

@Nick11: amen!!!

@Bob R: wow,damn.

i say lets spread the word,everyone needs to know this…heck,i didnt know some of this stuff

It's also a good thing that LGBTs have established our own charities for those LGBTs that really need help.

When someone-anyone-needs help they are usually indifferent as to the source. And a lot of BS indoctination/prosletyzing happens. A lot of GLBT-specific resources were not available prior to the AIDS crisis. Thankfully, these services are available now so that we can step up to the plate and lend our people a helping hand.

You may want to take Brown-Forman off the list. According to their Web site: "we are pleased to announce that Brown-Forman will be offering domestic partner and adoption benefits to employees beginning in calendar year 2009."

Check it out yourself at http://www.brown-forman.com/re.....rsity.aspx

How is A-1 ($693K donated to Yes on 8) ranked below Cinemark ($10K from CEO)?

Where is Emirates?

Please make you voice heard in Hawaii. Today the Hawaii State Senate is in hearing regarding the bill giving civil rights to gay unions. Please contact their locals officials here:

http://capitol.hawaii.gov/site.....embers.asp

Also, please take the poll/survey here:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/

@gray hunt: thanks for coming on a GAY website,u just supported us u fool.lol

@Donsnyc: i just voted,thanks for that

@Tim McIntyre: Honey, if you were really "most improved" a few years ago and you're still at 60 out of 100 on the HRC list, then that's what I call damning with faint praise.

Also, I'd bet Tom Monaghan still owns quite a bit of stock in Domino's, doesn't he? Which would mean our pink dollars are still funding his haterade. Care to comment on that, confirm or deny?

Too bad, too, because I'd actually been ordering a bit from y'all lately, esp. those new sandwiches. But they're definitely not good enough to make me spend money there in light of this.

Thanks for the great information. Too bad we can't make a real change in Utah unless for run for office!!!!!!! Didn't know this state IS NOT A DEMOCRACY. Lets work to change a church run state or they will run tar and feather anyone who isn't brain dead.

@gray hunt:

How do you feel about equality for women and blacks? Wanna start a proposition to take their rights away too?

My uncle works for Advance Auto, and his partner just received partner benefits. Not sure when all of this data was compiled. Advance was started in Roanoke, my hometown, and has done a lot for my community, and family.

@gayvirgo: Wonderful now I know who to support since they are against gay rights! I will tell all of my friends who are against gay rights to go to these places. I have so many since I have lived in so many states!

@Kari:

Huh?

@Matt: I totally agree with everything you said

@POP MUSIC FORUM:
I don't buy gas from Citgo, a Venezuelan government-owned company. You're financing Hugo Chavez's illegit regime when you fill up at Citgo.

@DAVIDnHOUSTON:

Depends….

http://www.snopes.com/politics/gasoline/citgo.asp

@DAVIDnHOUSTON: Thanks, I'll look into that.

If it's true I'll get all my gas from Citgo. I admire Chavez's attempts to kick US businesses and empire builders out of Latin America, his friendship with left wing regimes in Bolivia and Cuba and most of all his economic program to end the abject poverty caused by foreign, mainly US over-exploitation.

I think what he can accomplish is limited because no one can lead a revolution from the top. The only time revolutions are genuine is when working people and farmers organize a new state. Chavez is no Fidel but he is a radical who's made some impressive gains for Venezuela and for Latin America.

@Bill – I also would buy gas from Citgo if that is true, well if I bought gas. Go Chavez!!

As soon as someone yells socialism everyone has to drink.

@Matt: Matt, you can find other organizations that help women and children. Even the Nazis sent kids to summer camp and helped unwed mothers. I am going to have my partner try to find a letter that he was sent written by the director of the Salvation Army and post it. Its terrible and make no mistake, they hate our guts, think we are going to hell, and don't mind helping their God out with putting us there.

@Matt: Also Matt, thanks for being a great example of how so many of our own kind put our needs as LGBT's behind everyone elses needs. It shows just how low our self worth is among many of our tribe that we see everyone else as more worthy than we are.

@michael: "Its terrible and make no mistake, they hate our guts, think we are going to hell, and don't mind helping their God out with putting us there."

I know Vietnam vets who spend a lot time helping homeless and totally disoriented vets from the Clinton-Bush Oil wars. None of them have a very high opinion of the SA because its whole culture is based on condemning the people it 'helps', blaming them instead of a dog eat dog society that chews people up and spits them out. They have to listen to that garbage and then they get fed.

The SA is the worst of all possible cults – a military religious cult.

@Sebbe: Good for you. It's not socialism yet but they're on their way. Bolivia has a mass movement and could go even further and create a new state.

That sucks Walmart is on the list. I hate their employees. They are stupid as hell. But I like Walmart. I don't do business with any of the other companies on the list.

@michael:

I am so glad that you caught that, Michael.

I had wanted to reply to Matt's post as well, but was not desirous of igniting yet another firestorm as I seem to have been doing with all of the "Let's get down on gays" crowd as of late.

You are absolutely right when you take note of how low our self worth is among many of our tribe and that we see everyone else as more worthy than we are.

But the comments that really get me are the people who say things like "With all the other more important issues we have to worry about, aren't we being a little selfish just thinking about ourselves and un-necessary same-sex marriage?"

As another poster so astutely said, when "other issues" take precedence over the civil-rights of all American Citizens, we are well on our way toward becoming a dictatorship or totalitarian regime.

Then none of the "other issues" will be of any import either. Just like in other dictatorships, the official government policy will be, let them eat cake.

@Bill Perdue – Is the US socialistic yet or just on our way? Social Democracy = good!!

@Sebbe: We’re not even close.

The closest thing we have to a socialized infrastructure is the military, for the time being, hasn’t been privatized. Well, except for Haliburton and Blackwater. Actually I think Reagan and his gang did try to sell the Navy or the Coast Guard.

You'll know we're on our way when we have a constitutional guarantee for a good living wage for working people, retirees, students, etc. Something around $25.00 an hour adjusted for inflation.

And you'll know we're on our way when we nationalize failed banks and other businesses without compensation.

And when we get there the bigots who advocated violence against GLBT are going to jail.

@Bill Perdue – oops, I meant to sent that at the anti-socialism DavidinHouston.

I agree with you.

IGNORE MATT ALREADY!

He's not gay, he's just a toady for one of the companies listed in the article trying to keep his pathetic ass from getting fired because of the economy. You don't hate slime because it needs a putrid environment to survive…

@Charles J. Mueller: Its amazing at how angry, shaming and critical some gay folks are toward the general gay population. I recently attended a screening of the Milk Documentary made in the 80's that was also a fund raiser for a gay youth organization. There was a panel discussion afterward and people were really fired up about participating in a march that some youth had put together in a small town near by to protest the local school boards anti-gay policies.
It was so cool to see our brothers and sisters ready to go down there and march with those young folks. But there was a guy in the audience who writes on a lot of the local blogs negative comments about gays being vocal, doing marches, holding hands in public, being to effeminate etc. He basically believes that we are offensive because we are visible. Of course my take on his opinion is that he is self loathing and ashamed and does not like the mirror he sees when we all are visible to the public. Its really sad, cause the more I heal myself, the more I grow to accept myself, the more joy I feel when I see my brothers and sisters being who they are. We are all so fucking beautiful and we have no idea of it. Our time has come to shine, and shine we will.

THERE'S SOMETHING ELSE YOU CAN DO with each of these companies. Every time you buy a DON'T patronize them, let them know it. Send them a copy of your receipt from the competitor you DID patronize, and tell them why. Even calling the customer service line, or emailing and letting them know how much you spent elsewhere can make a difference. Especially if you do it on a regular basis. Bookmark their website. Put their number on speed dial. Be a pain in the ass that makes a difference! Go team!!

I completely agree with Exxon being number 1 on the list of boycotts. To actually take away benefits is a first for any company.

@david – I'm not sure if Exxon is the first, the only, or the last to take away benefits, but yes, I too believe they deserved the number 1 position.

@michael:

Thank you so much for our heartwarming reply. I especially enjoyed the last two closing lines of your commentary. Beautifully stated.

I also liked your comment about the mirror image and what you say, is so true. What we dislike in others, is what we see in ourselves that we are not comfortable with. How we view the world begins with how we view ourselves.

And the same holds true for acceptance and love. Before we can accept or love anyone else, we need to accept and love who we are first. As you pointed out, when we are happy with ourselves, we are happy with everyone around us.

We are, indeed, very beautiful and the quicker we recognize that in ourselves, the sooner others will recognize that fact as well. Whatever message we put out, is the one that will come back to us.

Rick I think that's a great idea – I wonder why HRC hasn't done that already. I'd love to be able to choose to invest my mutal funds with companies that are not only growing, but are gay friendly as well!

Although The Salvation Army gets a bad rep, and yes, Salvationists do not agree with homosexuality, not all Salvation Armies turn away LGBT Homeless. I worked for one for over a year and they were ok with LGBT people coming in and utilizing their services. These people were also never subject to sermon's or lectures trying to "turn" them straight. As a person in the LGBT community, I was NOT ok with coming out to my co-workers, however, when I left, I did take quite a few of them with me to a drag show! So, I'm just letting people know that not all SA's do "take advantage of" the LGBT community every chance they get.

As far as Cracker Barrel (from a comment above). I was recently told by a very out gay man who is a manager at a local cracker barrel that the anti-LGBT intstance was localized to one restaurant and that Cracker Barrel over-all isn't ant–LGBT. I'm not sure that they have domestic partner benefits though.

I agree, Exxon, Wal-Mart and Auto Zone, who I believe is actually owned by a Wal-Mart family member should all be avoided at all costs.

That's my two cents. :o)

Well that's just great news that one SA location was "OK with LGBT people coming in and utilizing their services". OK? Screw them, I'll never drop so much as a penny in the red tin again.

@Sebbe:

Yeah, I work pretty actively with people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. In SA rehab facilities, they ARE taught the typical fundamentalist line about homosexuality (homosexuality is treated as part of their drug addiction).

Not all faith-based rehab facilities are like this. My own recovery from addiction began in a faith-based rehab center and it was extremely gay-friendly from top management down.

Brown-Foreman isn't the only liquor distributor for some of those brands. I know that Fetzer and JD are distributed in Texas and a few other southern states by Glazers. While BF may be the main distributor, a boycott of at least these two brands might hurt other, more tolerant companies.

Are you crazy?
Why donate to an organization who hate hays and if they find out you are will not let you be part of their organization.
Donate to gay friendly oranizations who will help all the needy.
How simplistic are your attitdes?
Salvation Army won't even disclose their assests hiding behind the Church. Another Church cover up………….

@Jim: Hi, Jim. In fact, Tom Monaghan sold all of his shares when the company went public in 2004. (He owned 7% from 1998-2004.) Are we all the way there yet? No, but that doesn't mean there aren't people in the organization who support gay rights. We shouldn't all be painted with the same wide brush.

For what it's worth, the majority of our stores around the world are owned by local independent operators who live and work in their communities, support their communities and provide jobs for their communities. There are a number of employees and franchisees who are gay. There are 125,000 people who work in some capacity for the brand in 60 countries around the world. We are diverse, in every sense of the word.

But, I'm not naive enough to expect that you will believe me, no matter what I say, nor that you'll change your opinion. That's cool. Feel free to order from whomever you want. But if you're going to make a decision based on these "facts," I would just ask you to reconsider. As I noted in my original comment, the NOW reference in the link above was written 22 YEARS AGO. Just because something gets posted on a blog doesn't make it true.

@Tim McIntyre: The above comments by McIntyre are proof positive of the effectiveness of boycotts.

I think some of these are tough calls. Our local Urban Outfitters is staffed by dozens of gay employees. They have alway sold gay affirming shirts. So for me, to boycott this store on my local level makes no sense to me and would hurt people that don't earn much money to begin with.

Like Tim says, many of these companies are franchise based and don't discriminate. It's not so easy to judge.

Great list.

A few of those were a surprise, but I knew that Urban Outfitters was on MY list. They've supported Rick Santorum, which is about as low as you can go.

Oh. Hee Haw!!

@Chitown Kev- I'm glad to here it sounds like you are doing well and were able to receive treatment yourself in a positive environment.

@Tim McIntyre – After listening to you I am more convinced of ever to boycott your products and have been spreading the word in Boston to gays and straights alike. The truth of the matter is that there are people in every organization that support gay rights. What I am concerned with it the corporate policy and like you said yourself you are not there yet. To me the argument that you are a franshisor is completely irrelevant. A portion of the profits are still being funneled to the corporation.

I actually do believe what you say and what you have said has confirmed my support of this boycott even more so. I hope one day soon your corporation will become a responsible player and a supporter of human rights for both your employees, franchisees, and customers alike.

@Timmeeeyyy: Unfortunately, in rural areas Salval is the only resource for the populations described.

I'm also curious as to how low income families would be able to boycott WALMART? the others I can see, but for those of us who have recently lost our jobs Walmart is the only affordable place for some things. Heck, around here it is the ONLY source for things unless you can afford to drive an hour for any time you need anything.

@Sebbe:

Hear. Hear. Good post to Tom McIntyre. You beat me to the punch, and I am glad that you did.

Excellent post. Well said.

@Charles J. Mueller – LOL, I love when we agree!!

@Sebbe:

*Hands Sebbe a nosegay* :-)

Unfortunately, the Gay Community has become too mainstream to organize any boycotts.

Where there were once whistles and yells from groups such as “Act Up”, there are now cell phone ringtones and selfish attitudes from people who can’t be bothered and simply don’t care.

We are now connected better than ever (e.g. Internet, cell phones) but we have never been further apart. Do you think African-Americans would boycott a bus line or lunch counter today? The answer is probably not and that’s my point.

Go see “Milk” and/or “The Rosa Parks Story” and you will know what I mean. Sad but true.

@Tim McIntyre: @Tim McIntyre:
With all the restaurants and fast-food places I *could* choose to patronize, why should I spend my money at one that has *ever* been associated with antigay values? How do you address the recent actions of defending the San Diego firefighters and refusing to extend health benefits to same-sex partners of employees? How do you defend your CEO's recent insensitive comments regarding nondiscrimination policies?

And what are you *talking* about when you say "I also just clicked on the link to the NOW story and I'm shocked that that web site is passing off as current something that took place more than TWENTY YEARS AGO." You're completely full of it: the story is dated *April 2008* and refers to recent events. How exactly is that "twenty years ago"?

If Dominoes doesn't like having a bad reputation in the gay community, it should *stop its antigay practices* rather than whine about the gay media reporting truthfully about what Dominoes stands for.

@Matt: With all due respect man, there are PLENTY of other places you can donate too that help the needy…open yourself up a little bit

I can see why gay people would be kind of pissed about companies not really accepting gays. I, myself have gay friends and a couple family members that are gay, so I have no problem with the gays and have hung around them quite a bit. Here's the thing folks, not everyone is like you. Not everyone is going to be SUPER gay friendly. Some people just dont know anything about gay people or havent been around them. if you know nothing about gay people you will not be gay friendly. This is AMERICA So dont like…boycott a business because they dont fully acccept you. dont be mad at buisnesses when they arent openly armed and ready to FULLY accept gay people. thats pretty unrealistic.

@Shanese:

"the gays"?! Shanese, you ignorant…you know the rest!

Miss Shanese, let me back up, that was wrong.

You SHOULD NOT come onto a gay blog with a silly-ass phrase like "I have no problem with the gays."

Furthermore, you trot out your gay friends and family members as if they were your personal puppy dogs to give you the boardwalk cred only so that you can work up the nerve to tell us "this is America, get over it" when it involves our civil rights. That's not cool at all!

@John:

May hat is off to you, John.

Obviously, you are a man who checks the facts out and is not afraid to challenge a vacuous statement made by a bigot who wishes to pass himself off as "supporting gays", when it's apparent, by both their choice of words and actions, that they definitely do NOT support gays.

If one feels the need to explain how they are NOT a bigot, instead of giving proof of it, then the chances are pretty good that they ARE a bigot.

As the old adage goes "Actions speak louder than words."

@Shanese:

Now, you, Shanese, are a real piece of work. If you do not come off sounding like a bigot who loudly proclaims "I'm not a racist; one of my best friends is black", I don't know what does?

Just for the fun of it, let's turn around what you just said and see how it plays back to you, sonny boy. *Intended to be snarky*

"I can see why straight people would be kind of pissed about companies not really accepting straights. I, myself have straight friends and a couple family members that are straight, so I have no problem with the straights and have hung around them quite a bit. Here's the thing folks, not everyone is like you. Not everyone is going to be SUPER straight friendly. Some people just dont know anything about straight people or havent been around them. if you know nothing about straight people you will not be straight friendly. This is AMURICUH, So dont like…boycott a business because they dont fully acccept you. dont be mad at buisnesses when they arent openly armed and ready to FULLY accept straight people. thats pretty unrealistic."

Does this piss you off as much as your unthinking comment pisses gays off?

If it doesn't, it should. Think before you speak.

And, NO. "This is America" does not justify the bigotry, ignorance and discrimination you just displayed. That's not what the founding fathers of this nation had in mind when they penned the Constitution.

I suggest you try reading it. I mean, really reading it so that you get the full thrust of what life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness means. It's not just for a selected few.

It's for everyone! Even straights.

@Sebbe:

Thank you. I mean it's been awhile (before the turn of the millenium)since I was out there like that but I have worked with enough people from SA programs to know this to be the case.

Overall, as with everything in life, do research in a little bit of depth wJaphy presented here. Then of course, make decisions that you can make. It's more convenient to do boycotts in the big urban area than, say, a smalltown in the middle of nowhere.

@Chitown – I agree, it also depends on what coast you are on. I live in Boston in there are only three of those stores within my easy reach as it is. So I guess in regards to this list, my job is quite easy. If anything though, I have looked into (or started to) for the other companies that I frequent and that is really the point of the article. imo

@Matt: There are plenty of other charities to which you can donate. Salvation army is crap anyway. I knew someone who worked for them, ringing that bell and asking for money. They paid her 8 dollars an hour and she never raised as much as she got paid. Seems like a joke. Give your money to an organization that actually gets the money into the hands of people who need it. As for the rest, if your pocket is more important than civil rights and equality, good for you. I have higher morals.

@GranDiva: Where is this magical gas station of which you speak? I recently moved to Austin and would love to not fill up at Exxon, Shell, Valero, etc. Thanks!

Thanks for this list, Queerty!

@POP MUSIC FORUM:

Actually…

http://www.exxonmobil.com/Aust.....fault.aspx

http://www.b-f.com.au/BFA/index.aspx

and the Salvo's.

Unless the british gays realize that hate doesn't stop at their borders…
A boycott in Britain could help all over the world. Seems a little "i"m comfortable in england so screw the rest of you" to think in terms of just your local rights. It's the same type of thinking that let the holocaust happen and Darfur and….. what's the next one folks? @tavdy79:

@Roger: regarding the salvation army (ironic name huh?)
They have the pots a Christmas and their donation centers for thrift stores. If that person doesn't think the money goes to them directly (and most DOES NOT got to the people but to administration costs) think again.
Luckily in the Los Angeles area we have "out of the Closet" for a thrift store that always needs donations. They get the slightly used clothes and household items that would have before gone to the SA. There is Aids project LA that until there is a cure, will need money. There are in most areas GLBT support centers that give directly to our own (charity begins at home) UNFORTUNATELY there are also GLBT substance abuse centers that are struggling to make ends meet that could use any donation you can spare.
Take care of our own first. After all, if you're having trouble financially, do you pay your own bill or someone else's first? right. Pay to support the local GLBT community first. Then the neutral vendors and ONLY when forced by situation, others. If you're not sure, then just put the money back in your own account and simple save it. No need to buy most of the crap we do anyway.

@Urban supporter:

It's true that rumors do spread fast on the Internet which is why I'm surprised I have not seen any counter media from the company defending its policies. I get regular emails from them and (until now) visited their site at least once a week. It would be so easy to put a link on their site explaining the situation.

WOW. You are now in the same category as Sen. Joseph McCarthy – does that surprise you?

YOU IDIOT. Our CIVIL RIGHTS have not and are not at jepoardy, only the SPECIAL rights you are trying to get.

I for one don't want or need special rights — look how wonderful special rights have worked for the black community.

A shameful article.

@A TRUTHFUL GAY:

The only thing shameful…..is YOU!

Now, back into your closet and close the door behind yo…quickly.

The stench emanating from it is unbearable.

Boycott all the companies mentioned. Sorry but screw The Salvation Army. Give me a break. as a veteran, I donate to the Wounded Vets Assoc. Whether the military accepts me as gay or not, we have served our country with a greater pride than you will ever know, fighting in bred obstacles as well as our terrorism foes here in the US and everywhere. i truly love our country and wish peace throughout the world. Yes, I'm a softee.

Well all of those places can be boycotted easily! There is many movie theatres besides Cinemark, I worked there and it sucked anyway!

Instead of Exxon go to 711 instead of walmart go to Target! Auto zone is not the only place that you can go for your car.

Here are some more people in Cali who donated to help pass prop 8!

Jan Pinney / Insurance Broker, Pinney Insurance Center, Inc. / Granite Bay, CA / $10,000

Bruce Andrus / Hotel Owner/operator, Huntington Hotels / Park City, UT / $20,000

Container Supply Co., Inc. / Garden Grove, CA / $250,000

There are many more so if you want to know I have the list on my gay rights myspace blog:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.....amp;page=2

Jeremy Herring

Ok, What are Cracker Barrell policies these days? Are they not owned by a religious right group that actively protests gays?

@Charles J. Mueller: Amen brother!

For you people who still would donate to the Salvation Army, despite the fact they refuse to hire gays and exclude them from their programmes, what about the fact they *actively* lobby to deny you your rights? They have carried out quite specific anti-gay-rights campaigns in three countries I know of, including those where we are not accustomed to having churches interfere in national politics.

The year I came out in the late 80s was also the same year we got anti-discrimination legislation enacted. The Salvation Army passed petitions nationwide, brought over hate-mongering speakers from the US and lobbied long and hard against the legislation. Those arseholes have never seen one cent of mine.

@Tim McIntyre: Thank You Tim, If they are trying to get people to boycott companies, They need to have updated and acurate information.

wow we just perpetuate our own hate don't we
do you know what a douche bag is? can you tell me why that is sexist? and now find the link between sexism & homophobia

@leigh:

Your comment obviously has something to do with something, does it?

Now that we know where we shouldn't be spending money, what are the top ten gay/lesbian-friendly places to spend?

Thanks for this list! I agree with Nik Radtke, are we going to get a list for the 10 top gay/lesbian friendly places? :)

@Matt: About a year ago, I received a piece of mail from the Salvation Army telling me that a donation of $25 would feed a family of four. I sent them a check and they spent all of it on more mailings and postage to me asking for more money. They'll never get another dime out of me!

Then I saw some phony money (Gay Dollars that look like the real thing) that said "This would be real money if you didn't discriminate against gays" and sent them a couple of those. In turn, they thanked me for my contribuation and even sent me a plastic membership card. Are those people smoking rope?

@Matt: Would you support any other company that was violating someone's human rights? "Oh these people promote genocide, but their t-shirts are really cheap!!" Put your money some place where it can do some good!!

Thank you for the article!!!

come on people, where is the love?!! Really, do you give a shit what straights or gays think. Ooooh wait, Kanye can't buy Versace coz he's not Italian!! Are we not perpetuating the "us and them" mentality that is so desperately in need of a boot up the ass?!! We have the power to vote, and the strength to change. Just keep living your life however it suits. If u like Dominos, eat the shit, if you drink Southern-drink it!! Gay, straight or twisted, a dollar spends the same and feeds the same economy. Just be patient, thhings will change.

Thanks for the info. Now I know the stores where I will be spending my money!

I'm happy to be boycotting all the companies listed. It may be difficult as a minority group to make a dent in the bigotry of the minor majority (most of the majority is not bigoted, just indifferent), but when we ban together and our friends and family join with us, it can send a real message. :)

@Sebbe:

Lot's of gay people shop at Walmart. What is the alternative? Another grocery chain which isn't any better for their gay employees and which charges you an extra $30 on $100 of groceries?

Keep an eye on Walmart. We may hate their politics, but Walmart will push for National Single Payer, which is better than DP benefits anyway.

@Votadini –

Trader Joe's is a good example, they contribute to their employees retirement. Part time employees are eligible for medical and dental benefits. Consumer reports ranks them second best in the nation out of grocery stores. TJs sells gourmet foods, organic foods, vegetarian food, imported foods, domestic and imported wine, "alternative" food items, and basics.

Whole Foods is another great option they only sell natural and organic products. Whole Foods is constantly ranked as one of the most socially responsible companies in the country. The EPA rated them 2nd of their top 25 Green Power companies. Full time employees are given free health care insurance.

Of course if you are not on a coast or near a large city you of course don't have these choices, but if you do, it is well worth any extra price increase for a better quality product that treats its employees better. For me, luckily I would have to go pretty far out of my way to even go to a Walmart. I wouldn't buy anything from them under any circumstances. They are the epitome of what is wrong with corporate America.

THANKS for this information. I didn't know about a few of them. The Salvation Army preaches one thing and does another. They have active officers/ministers who are homosexual and involved in the lifestyle – many are married too. Some are in executive headquarters positions. I know, I was involved in the organization for too many years. I Know Too Much!

The Salvation Army (USA) back tracked a few years back on an attempt to offer benefits to an employee's partner regardless of sex. i.e. same sex partners would have received benefits. The Commissioners conference (the executive administration) voted to grant these benefits. Major donors found out about the provision (I could name them for you later) and forced the "Army" to pull the provision for fear of losing millions of dollars. The Army (USA) is a $3 billion USD organization. It is the largest non-profit in the US and quite possibly the world. (It is the 2nd largest provided of services, after the Government in the UK) You can access their financial statements, but granted they are limited (not SEC filings).
I am happy for you to take a shot at The Salvation Army as I would like to see them change some of their positions, but in effect they do provide a needed service to many worldwide. I grew up in the Army and my parents are very senior officers (part of that Commissioners conference). So I know a few things about the organization. I would love for the Army to be a more inclusive organization. It was progressive and accepting once, one of the first Churches to allow Female ministers. But like most large organizations it is driven by its need for resources (money). Needless to say as a gay rights activist now living in the UK, I don't have any association with the Salvation Army. My parents are still "Officers" at a very senior executive level in the organisation. I love them to bits, and strangely they are hugely accepting of me, my boyfriend and my lifestyle. I argue with my father about the Army's stance constantly. I wish he would do something, maybe one day.
For the record your article on the Salvation Army is not 100% accurate, but your point is noted. The organization should be at the forefront of acceptance and it is not.

Although, I agree with most people on here. I'm on Social Security Disability, and so far the cheapest prices on food items out there is at Wal-Mart. I don't purchase from anyone on the top 10 list, except for Wal-Mart. I wish there was another grocery store out there that offered better prices, so I wouldn't have to give the store my gay dollars. I'm without a car,without a job,and am in poor health. Unless anyone can supply me the info. on another grocery store, I have to keep buying from Wal-mart.

Kroger

This is some important information. But there are two side to every story and how recent are some of these claims? Either way the claims are made , if these companies care about how they are portrayed pertaining to equality, it's up to them to prove 'em wrong. The proof is in their actions.

@Matt:
how was anything you just wrote helpful in anyway? Gays "proven" child molesters, really. That old claim went out with the 80's, that is about as accurate as saying all murderers are African American. Your narrow minded views luckily aren't shared by the majority. If you're going to try and make claims that you think are "proven", at least make an effort to educate yourself before you open you mouth.

I think boycotts are ineffective and kinda a waste of time. We are less than 10% of the population and 90% of us don't pay attention anyway. Hell, the USA can't effectively embargo Iran and Cuba. What chance to we have?

Better to write and petition than to boycott

@Mike Diamond:

Rockstar is now owned by PepsiCo after a recent buyout. I was furious that the pig made such a killing off the deal, but PepsiCo has an outstanding record on diversity, including LGBTQ issues.

I did a few minutes of digging, and here's what I came up with as far as gay/equal rights friendly companies.

Also, for those people who defend shopping at Wal-Mart because it's cheap and convenient, please note that both Target and Kmart are listed as "gay friendly".

http://www.diversityinc.com/pu.....ent289.cfm

http://www.advocate.com/issue_.....asp?page=3

http://bloggernista.com/2008/0.....-sponsors/

@Matt: Salvation Army is a fraud. That money does not actually go to what they say it does.

@Matt: I'm sure there are gay organizations or other charity need groups that you can donate to.

All this talk about Salvation army makes me think about a movie, specifically the turning away of gays with substance abuse problems. Have any of you seen the movie Save Me? It came out in January and it stars Chad Allen (Who i absolutely love…) as a gay man addicted to drugs and alcohol. His brothers sends him to a place called Genesis House where the fix the mens "sexual broken-ness" I love this movie, it's so emotional and shows the controversy between "The church" and the gay lifestyle. The 1990's movie Priest is good too. I know this doesn't really fit into the subject of businesses to boycott but the list made me think of these movies.

Wow…Thank you so, very much for this article. I'm definitely taking note of this homophobic companies and I'm NOT going to give a dollar to them. I'm sad about Cinemark and Walmart because I used to go there all the time, well, I'm going to Fred Meyer and Regal Cinemas then :) Our money talks. I hope you can keep us current about homophobic companies. Many huggies!!!

I was a Red Roof Inn employee and I would like to tell the customers that go there to not sleep on the comforters or even sit on them. The employees who clean the rooms do wash the sheets, under blankets and pillow cases everyday, but they are told to only wash the comforters once a month, which is absolutely nasty. Especially knowing what people do in the rooms from weird sexual things, to rolling on the ground and beds in the room doing somersaults while crapping and urinating on the furniture, prostitution, and drugs. Also for locals who like to stay in there towns Red Roof Inn be ready to be discriminated against, although it is not company policy to take credit cards from guests, locals were subject to providing one with every stay because we were told from management that locals are "drug dealers, prostitutes and drug users."

I was a Red Roof Inn employee and I was grabbed in the chest and my breast was shook, it also happened to another employee. I was chased by the manager while she was holding a sausage in front of her crotch screaming that its not big enough for me, while she was drunk partying with the renovation crew and some corporate employees during the renovation of the property. I was also called a queen who hit on every male guest that walked thru the door, at a company meeting with every employee there. I was also told by management that she was so horny she wanted to bring me to a room, it was too bad I was gay. After reporting all this to human resources, they told me there was going to be a investigation a month later human resources showed up did a investigation. During this the investigator told me that she knew there was wrong doing and something was going to be done to wait to hear from my district manager. When she left the manager started scheduling me for two shifts in one day, she tried to write me up saying that my drawer was short while I was having other employees count, sign off, bag and put my cash in a safe. Then I had other employees that were working with her that the district manager was calling her up and talking with her on the speaker phone on ways to have me fired, and things that my manager could do to try and write me up. I waited for a month to hear from the district manager, I kept on calling human resources to find out what was going on, they told me she was going to be in after a month had passed she finally showed up only to have meetings with every employee on how to do there job. During my meeting with her and the manager I asked her what would be happening with my case, she told me it was all in the past and she didn't want to talk about it any more. I have filed a suit with the EEOC and I am waiting for a right to sue know. I just want to let everyone know how they treat there employees and for a company that has a zero tolerance policy there was alot of tolerance. Also, while filing for unemployment because I couldnt stand to work there any longer, they denied my unemployment and during the hearing, they said that grabbing my breast and the other employees was a play by play action, because she was explaining a story to us. The company also said that she was written up with something called a possible step for termination while they were saying they did nothing wrong.
Please know this is a bad company to stay at or work for.

@Matt: Regarding skipping Salvation Army – there are many other groups that are willing and ready to process your donations. Goodwill Industries, for instance, has an admirable mission of providing dignity and income to marginal populations. And while you're dropping off your junk, throw them some coin too.

@Matt: If the other posts (didn't read them all) change your mind, Matt, then, so be it, but I like this sincere expression of the kindness of your heart, Matt.

Boycotting Wal-Mart? I am sorry, but Wal-Mart beats all of its competitoes on grocery items. Unless you folks send me a check to compensate my losses for not shopping at Wal-Mart, I will continue to shop there!

@AL:

You're free to shop at WalMart, and I could get stuff even cheaper than that if I became a thief.

But you won't catch me going into that store. Their anti-labour practices, and their tactic of muscling and shutting down small competitors is bad enough.

When they built their latest store in our city they actually tried to get city council to take money from our library budget to pay for an overpass to their store. The largest company in the world begging for cash.

I'd rather pay a fair price to local business that pay a fair wage than give a dime to those thieves.

@strumpetwindsock:

And, I'll bet that this creep probably sent a letter of appreciation and thanks to his local NBC TV affiliate who aired the despicable and unprovoked attack on the LGBT community, "Silencing Christians" on June 27th at 7:00PM.

It takes all kinds.

@strumpetwindsock: I'm pretty sure there are smaller Walmart's competitors whose gay record is probably even worse than that of Walmart. You people just love to single out Walmart because of its national influence. Again, show me a company who can offer better prices and has a better record on gay rights, then I might reconsider my shopping preferences. The fact that Walmart drives out smaller businesses is irrelevant. Yes, if they offer cheaper prices for the same kind of products, the will win, more expensive competitors will loose. That's the nature of business.

@AL:

It is relevant if they break the law and use their size to drive out competition (and they do both of these things). When faced with a successful union drive they just close down a store.

I am not just singling out WalMart, They are the largest corporation in the world, and they have a terrible record. They have even been driven out of countries like Germany which would not put up with their shenanigans. Also, they are big enough corporate whores that they accepted a union in order to move into China.

You have every right to shop there, but the nature of business is the way you describe it only if you choose that way for yourself.
If you want to go for the cheapest price, fine, but you should be aware that that price break is coming out of someone else's paycheque, or out of your own taxes. And don't complain when your city centre looks like no-man's-land because there are no local stores left.

To bring it back to the theme of this thread, how and where you spend your money is probably more important than how you vote, and you bear just as much responsibility for it. You get what you pay for.

@AL:
AL, I expect a fair wage for myself, and I assume you do as well. The only way we can do that is by making sure we do the same for others.

Paying a little bit more to someone who is part of the local economy is going to circulate that money back to you. It brings a lot more benefit to the community than giving it to a company which is sending most of its profits away, putting the squeeze on its workers and your local government.

And you know what… locally made and locally grown usually makes up for cost in quality. And often it DOESN'T cost more, especially if you factor in things like time and transportation.

@strumpetwindsock: I guess we won't agree on Walmart's business practices since we obviously belong to different schools of economic thought. But one thing which we can both agree on is that it's all a matter of choice. You are free not to shop at Walmart in order to support local companies in hope that someday they will get back to you. I am free to shop at Walmart to fulfill my financial objectives in a more direct way. Thankfully, we have that kind of right in America.

@schlukitz: No, I did not send a letter of appreciation to NBC affiliates. So, stop spewing out a bunch of nonsense.

@AL:

My lips are sealed. Enjoy the sale at Walmart this Fourth of July.

I wouldn't worry too much about the poor slobs who cannot even afford to take advantage of that sale because the mom and pop store they worked for for years was put out of business by Walmart and they no longer have a job.

Happy shopping.

@tavdy79: "so actually convincing British LGBTs that a boycott is a good idea in the first place will be damned hard work".

It really is not all about you. We are talking about equal civil rights for all people on Earth. Glad the gays have it good in the UK, love it actually, but why not be supportive of the GLBTQ global community that does not have it as good as you???

I'm happy to boycott companies. I already boycott Dyson and ITV, but not for LGBT-related issues. However theres not much I can do to boycottany of those companies on the list because non of them operate near me, besides Heinz, fortunatly I only ever buy thier salad cream. Not any longer.

I'm in the UK so we have Asda rather than Wal-Mart? Wal-Mart owns Asda, so should I boycott them?

Thank you for this list, so I can SUPPORT these companies that take the moral high road despite the liberal lobbyists. I think the more important issue should be weather or not companies 1) are based in the US, and 2) sell goods in the US. Freedom of choice is fine, but the United States of America was founded on Christian principles, homosexuality not being one of them.

@God-fearing American: Shut the fuck up and go rape some more babies. That's what you people do, isn't it?

@God-fearing American:

Thank you for sharing your blatant homophobia with us.

Your screen name says it all. You stand for the moral majority.

Discrimination. Bigotry. Hatred. Anti-queer. You know, all the good stuff that goes with mom's apple pie and your motto "Amurika, love it or leave it."

Wow, seriously? Seriously? I used to feel for the "oppressed" gay community. However, seeing how much HATE I've seen from the gay community, I don't feel the desire to support your cause anymore. The Salvation Army? Really? You're going to attack the man/woman out on the curb in 40 degree weather, shaking a bell trying to get money to get coats for innocent children who don't care about who your sexual preference is, they just want warm clothing and food. Wow, thats very honorable. Lets say your boycott works and Salvation Army crumbles. Do you know how many people that will affect?J(just because you don't like the way a non-profit church, WHO IS NOT FIGHTING AGAINST YOUR CAUSE but has different beliefs is running their organization)

I am seriously disgusted with some of the things I've seen on this post. My best friend is gay, I am not, but I've always supported him. I'm still best friends with him. What it comes down to, is its a church! Let them believe in what they want to believe! Yes, some church going folk will bible thump you and tell call you a sinner and tell you to repent.(ex: God-fearing American) However, I know for a fact that not all church people are like that. Most churchs don't treat gay people like that, its the few that ruin the image for the masses. Now, I thought you wanted change in how people treated you, (regardless of their sexual preference), well being HATEFUL is not a way to accomplish that. If you are mean to a straight person, aren't you just sinking to their level? I don't condone the mistreatment of anyone, straight or gay. Lashing out just makes your road more difficult.

I am seeing more and more hate in the gay community and frankly I think if it keeps teaching hate, (I find this ironic and disappointing)then it will lose more support from the community's straight friends.

@ No. 172 Adam:

The Salvation Army? Really? You're going to attack the man/woman out on the curb in 40 degree weather, shaking a bell trying to get money to get coats for innocent children who don't care about who your sexual preference is, they just want warm clothing and food.

You, Sir, need to withdraw your head from your anal cavity long enough and do a little research on the Internet. It's called Google and it's positively amazing what one can learn on it.

I've done the leg work for you for gratis on this one.

http://www.americablog.com/200.....bidly.html

Similar descriptions of what the Salvation Army is really all about are readily available, if you really want to speak intelligently on the subject.

Hate begets hate…and it starts with the churches and people like the Salvation Army. And if they weren't so all-fired eager to not only prevent us from having rights but taking the rights away from us that we have already won like they did in California, we wouldn't have a reason to hate these people, would we now?

If support from straight friends like you is so easily lost because you can't or won't open your eyes to the reality of what hateful and discriminating organizations like the Salvation Army are really up to, then we never really had an ally in you to begin with, did we?

@ No. 172 Schlukitz:
I appreciate your "constructive" discussion. However, you miss the point. I'm not talking about the Salvation Army Organization as a whole. I'm talking about the small time operations on the street to help the poor. I guarantee you money from those people on the corner doesn't all go straight to fighting the "cause." The money that was earned in my home town went to clothing and the soup kitchen. I know for a fact thats where 90% of it went to. They are a non-profit organization whose belief is that homosexuality is wrong. Ok. Fine. They can think that. You can't control that, just like how they can't control how everyone else acts. I understand you don't like that, but they are entitled to their opinion. But you can't tell a non-profit "religious" organization how to run themselves, even if you don't agree with how they run it. Thats why you CAN sue a public business for discrimination. I support you for banning all of the public business, but thats because there isn't supposed to be the religious factor involved. Just because they are expressing their opinion about homosexuality doesn't mean they are attacking the gay community, they are expressing their reason why they don't want it to be a part of their organization. So what if they donated money to Prop 8? They have the right to support their own cause too. Right? You also can't tell me that someone gay won't benefit from proceeds of the Salvation Army. Even on your link it states they don't discriminate against who they deliver their services to.

Hell if you want to give to another cause, I'm fine with that I don't care. But think about this, when are they out on the corner collecting donations? The holidays. That is when all the money goes to the needs of the community. At least thats the way it was in my hometown. I can't speak for ALL locations. I'm just speaking from my experience. I knew one of the volunteers (the guy on the corner with the bell), it that goes to the charity.

Don't EVEN begin to say I wasn't an ally. This has been wearing down with time, not just something overnight. I walked with friends at the rallies, marched in the cold, voted, commented and done my fair share of trying to help you out. You don't even know me, so how can you judge me? Its unreasonable people who want all or nothing and have a "either with us or against us" policy in the struggle for gay rights. Thats what burns me away. Instead of trying to find a resolution, they would rather shit on everyone they can for their cause. How can I be fighting for someone's freedom if I feel their shitting on someone else's rights? Just because someone violates your rights, doesn't make it fair to do it back. I'm all for equality, but that means you have to be for equality too, even if it means for your enemies. I've been discriminated against before due to my color. I don't try to trample on someone else's rights just because it happen to me. There are ignorant people out there, but I don't sink to their level by spouting more hate. That doesn't fix it. It doesn't help at all.

Let me ask you something. In California, when same sex marriage was legal,(I was happy it passed) a same sex couple approached a pastor and requested him to marry them. (Two men) The pastor politely told them same sex marriage was against his beliefs and the could not marry them. He even recommended a pastor that may be willing to marry them. What did the couple do, they FREAKING sued the pastor for discrimination. I can not believe that. That was so hypocritical! Even my best friend (who is gay) thought that was Fucked up! They actually won that case too. That is completely retarded. Don't you think that is wrong? How can you respect their rights when they're shitting on someone else's rights? This is the kind of stuff that makes me want to quit helping.

Why do you get the idea that just because they don't agree with homosexuality it = hate? It doesn't, they are allowed their opinion as long as its respectful. Do some church people cross the line,(aka God fearing American) YES, just like SOME advocates for same sex marriage do also. Hate doesn't start at a church. (Not all churches) Thats ignorance sir. I don't even go to church and I know that much. You can't make a blanket statement like that and expect to call it an intelligent conversation. Don't you hate people making blanket statements about you?

Bottom line, just because someone (or a group) doesn't support your cause, doesn't mean they are ATTACKING you or your cause.

By the way, most of those links are dead. I appreciate the effort to show me though. And this article is very opinion based, even for the articles it cites. Nowhere have I found "And they come right out and admit that "practicing homosexuals" are not welcome in the "church."" Nobody practices discrimination hiring. Since it is a religious group, they should be allowed to decide if people who believe in something against their religion work there. You wouldn't want a "gay hater" working for the GLAA, would you?

In the end, I hope the gay community gets the rights they deserve, but not in this (hateful) manner.

Good for you – great information to have. I will share with all my friends.

Amazing intolerance is still OK in 2009.

I'm a straight middle aged woman. My uncle grew up in Seattle in the 1930s. He knew his mother wouldn't be able to handle his homosexuality so he moved to Chicago and underwent psychotherapy in an effort to get 'fixed.'

Thankfully he met his life partner there. They moved to LA and led long, happy lives.

I'll always fight for gay rights because it's the morally correct thing to do, but my uncle inspires me. No one should feel their inherent self is wrong – how horrible to have to fight against yourself.

Not a true statement that the Salvation Army does not have to reveal it's books. My brother-in-law was a tax auditor for the Salvation Army for years before he retired. If you thought the IRS was tough, you should have been on the end of one of his audits.

Before you let your bitter ramblings get out of hand, please check your facts before you post untruths.

@Matt: If Company A provides benefits to only its hetero mates and not common law or gay, then
my Company B providing benefits to all mates is at a financial disadvantage in competing, because my overhead is greater – understand now?

@Jennifer M.: What a wonderful lady you are. We all wish you long life, good health, and properity if you want it.