Yesterday's post, "Chick-Fil-A a Big Ol' Homophobe?" ruffled a lot of feathers and today I have learned that the company has removed their logo from the banners advertising "The Art of Marriage" retreat in Pennsylvania. Again, the conference was some kind of retreat that was going to teach husbands and wives how to strengthen their marriage based on the teachings of the Bible. Or something like that. While the organization offering the retreat, Pennsylvania Family Institute, may not be specifically anti-gay, they do stand behind the idea that marriage is between one man and one woman. So, yeah, it's just kind of anti-gay in a backhanded way. Chick-Fil-A must have gotten sick of all the bloggers and Tweeters mentioning their name in association with them because they are no longer listed as a sponsor. But I'm sure they still support it. The Advocate says that in the past Chick-Fil-A has given tons of dollars to Focus on the Family which was founded by the whack job Reverend James Dobson. That organization is straight up anti-gay and even supports those programs where they claim to turn gay people straight. (And on a side note, is there anything sadder than seeing a "straight" man claiming how thankful he is to no longer be a homosexual even as he rests his hand uncomfortably on the leg of his his wife who always either looks like a lesbian or a fag hag?)So bravo to Chick-Fil-A for removing their name from a banner even though we all know where they stand. Now you have your bigotry concealed instead of out in the open. Whatever. And I must mention Greg B. who commented:
Using the argument, "Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you have to be against it," is a contradiction with your choice to boycott them.
Again I agree that their business has nothing to do with marriage of any sort, so they shouldn't mix the two. But you and they are both making economic and political choices based on personal opinions. Nothing wrong with that. It's only contradictory when you do it then say they shouldn't do it.
The better argument is to recognize their right to have an opinion and take action based on it. Then, point out to them your same right as their customer, and only then boycott them. Subtle but important difference. Don't stoop to their own hypocrisy.
You are right. I stand corrected. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean I have to be against it. I choose to be against it because I believe differently. Thank you for pointing out the difference, I get it.
These posts have drifted a bit from my usual ranting, but the whole thing pisses me off. I just don't get how so many people can be so opposed to something that does not affect them at all. I have a teeny tiny soap box with this blog and sometimes I want to stand on it. Let me explain why it is so important to me. I have been with my partner for a long time. In April, we will celebrate our 20 year anniversary. Why the fuck is my relationship less worthy than these bitches who meet their husband on The Bachelor? Why can Britney Spears marry a guy in Las Vegas and then divorce him ten seconds later? Why is it legal for two complete strangers to get married as long as they are of opposite sex while I can't? I have shared my life with the same man for twenty years. I don't know anyone who has a longer relationship than we do, gay or straight. I realize this post will offend some readers and maybe they will not come back. But it's important for people to know why I am so vigilant about this issue. It's because it is my life. My big gay life. So fuck you, Chick -Fil-A. (I will miss your fresh-squeezed lemonade.)
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