What You Can Do to Make Your Money Talk for You

There is a lot I try to do every single day of my life to let people know the challenges that gay and lesbian citizens face. Most of the time, that is simply being myself and letting people get to know me, as a person. I make no mention of being gay, but as they get to know me, it will come up in some form or another.

In Connecticut, for example, I can’t tell you how many people have asked if Kent and I will signing up for a “civil union”. As of October 1, 2005, we can not sign up for a Civil Union in the State of Connecticut to gain most of the rights of marriage within the state of Connecticut. Once you leave the state, all of that disappears. I explain this to those who ask if we will be entering into a civil union. I explain all the things the civil union will not provide. I explain how, within the law itself, is wording that states that “marriage” is the union between a man and a woman, and that by signing up for a civil union, I am signing up for a legal arrangement that first and foremost says, “You as a couple, are NOT EQUAL”. I then tell them of all the federal benefits of marriage that they enjoy, that this Civil Union will not grant.

Then, I ask them, would you want to sign up for one?

That’s what it takes to get through to most people. You have to bring it home to them in their terms, to show them what they have and what we are given by the gracious legislators and the gracious Governor Rell, that it simply is not equality. It doesn’t even come close.

So, a few days ago, I received this catalog from Virginia Traditions (pictured right). It’s a catalog offering meat products through the mail. I know, you are now in a total state of shock as you are wondering, “What gay man would ever order meat products through the mail?!??” Ok, I too am left wondering that. But some how, some time, I must have ordered something from them (I order a lot of things on line). Let’s just deal with that fact for now, and move on.....

Virginia has been one of the nastiest states in the nation regarding gay issues. They passed their version of a defense of marriage act, called, “Virginia Marriage Affirmation Act”. The law prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions, and threatens to overturn private contractual relationships between gay and lesbian couples.

It is also legal to fire someone in the State of Virginia, just for being gay. I’ve found that most straight people are shocked when i tell them this. Why, I don’t know, when 36 other states in the nation can do the same thing.

I didn’t just throw the catalog out. I made a message and posted it to the magazine, where I stated why I want to be removed from their mailing list, and why they have lost my business. You can view the full image here. If they want it back, they can appeal to the legislators of their state and tell them to knock it off. Or, the company may embrace what the legislators have done, and not deserve my business. At any rate, they know why they lost my business. Today, that catalog will be mailed back to them, with my note attached to it.

It’s important to do this. Don’t just throw the catalog away because it’s an annoyance. It’s more than just an annoyance. It’s an in your face message that came to your home saying, “We know we bashed the hell out of you gays last year, but why aren’t you buying our products?” That’s insulting, and they should know it.

The bottom line, I had an opportunity to let this business know my feelings. They are losing my business because of this. This is the message I posted to the catalog (view the full image here):

Yes, I would also like to remain on your mailing list, but…

Virginia Traditions resides in the State of Virginia, and, unlike Virginia, I WILL NOT SUPPORT BIGOTRY, in any way, shape, or form.

You want my business, you have to earn it by not supporting those values that your state seems to hold most dear – singling out gay couples and gay families for discrimination. That will not cut it in my book. You want my business back? Think about this…

On July 1, 2004 the Virginia Marriage Affirmation Act became law. In addition to prohibiting the recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions, this legislation threatens to overturn private contractual relationships between gay and lesbian couples.

In the state of Virginia, a person--whether gay or straight--can be legally fired or refused a job by an employer on the basis of that person’s real or perceived sexual orientation. A person could lose her or his job simply because s/he is gay, even if s/he is doing a excellent work.

I won’t do business with a State or any organization or business in a state that supports such discrimination. Until this changes, TAKE MY NAME OFF YOUR MAILING LIST.

Sincerely,
Bill Cannon

PS…. Want to know how to get involved and make changes to support ALL Virginians, go to http://www.equalityvirginia.org.