Now that Pride is over, the LGBT affirming flags will come down and we’ll be back to regular Hillcrest, North Park, downtown and Mission Hills. And I for one think that’s a problem.
Many businesses want to fly the Pride or HRC flag when we are out in force for our annual celebration, but what do they do for us during the year? You might be surprised at the businesses that you patronize who do nothing to support LGBT equality. Yet, they want your hard-earned dollars each year.
We have a story about the major businesses that are supportive of LGBT equality in this issue which is an outstanding read. Our coverage is based upon the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. It is basically the equivalent of a seal of approval for those businesses that support our community.
Locally, we have the Pride Card. Many businesses who support our community offer discounts to those people who are Pride cardholders. Other businesses advertise to our community in a host of ways; in print, on the Internet, through mobile devices, as well as through social media. You should take note.
I still remember the days when bars in San Francisco stopped carrying Coors beer because of their anti-LGBT policies. The boycott spread across the country and ultimately, Coors Brewing Company improved their LGBT policies.
My suggestion is not to boycott businesses, but to make our community one big “buycott.” We should actively understand where we spend our money. Are the businesses that we give our hard-earned money to at cross purposes with LGBT equality?
Sometimes it is hard to find a better business to patronize but sometimes it’s not. Trader Joe’s is a prime example. There are two other choices for supermarkets in the area and both have better records supporting LGBT rights than Trader Joe’s. Perhaps our community should consider patronizing those businesses instead.
In the end it is a personal decision we each get to make. Take a look at the feature on page 16 and discover some of the national businesses who support, and don’t support, our equality. I guarantee it will be eye opening.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
