Gays told to remember gay-friendly merchants this holiday season

[WillParkinson]

(New York City) With a month left for Christmas shopping, gay and lesbian consumers are being told they should give precedence to companies that support LGBT rights.

The Human Rights Campaign on Monday released its 2009 “Buying for Equality” to help consumers identify hundreds of businesses and brands that support equality and fairness in the workplace for the LGBT community.

The guide includes listings from a record 260 companies that received a perfect 100 percent score on HRC’s 2009 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report on company policies related to diversity & inclusion training, non-discrimination policies and access to healthcare for LGBT employees and their families.

“With this year’s economy, we need to make sure every dollar we spend goes to businesses that have earned the right to call you a customer,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

http://www.365gay.com/news/gays-told-to-remember-gay-friendly-merchants-this-holiday-season/

[monmouth]

1. That should also apply to straights who agree and support equality

and fairness.

[racaulk]

3. That's right!

We need to make sure to support our straight allies too!

[marimour]

2. this is a great idea

[Tempest]

4. Direct link to guide

http://www.hrc.org/buyersguide2009/hrc_buyersguide_09.pdf

It wasn't linked on the 365Gay web site.

[Spectral Music]

6. My favorite bookstores and Target are on this list.

My Christmas is done. :)

[Toasterlad]

7. THANK You

It was so stupid that they didn't provide a link in the article.

Oh thank god...Best Buy rates 100. I get most of my DVDs there. But what's with Amazon at only 80%? Shape up, Amazon!

[Hepburn]

9. Hey, thanks!

I did not see your post when I responded below. Much appreciated information!

:hi:

[xchrom]

5. recommend

[Hepburn]

8. This is a great idea and NOT for gays only, IMO.

I am straight, but fully and totally support the rights of GLBT's to full civil rights ~~ particularly in the area of marriage.

If I had a good list of merchants, I can guarantee that I would shop at these places AND let them know WHY they got my business.

:hi:

[slay]

10. As a straight man - I am only buying from companies on this list for x-mas

And will do so every year until all GLBT people have the same rights as the rest of us. Recommended. :hi:

Link to the list: http://www.hrc.org/buyersguide2009/category.htm?category=apparel_and_accessories

[Lisa0825]

11. If I were Christmas shopping this year...

...I would use that list. But I am on severance pay and saving every penny. That being said, I will save the info for future use, and once I have a stable income again, I promise as an ally to support those companies. Thank you for posting this information. I like knowing who deserves my business.

:pals:

[northofdenali]

12. I generally check to be sure the local companies I buy from -

are both blue-leaning and gay friendly.

If not, I buy online or elsewhere.

[bluedawg12]

13. That's how economic power works- buy from those who support

us and not the other way around. I like it!

[Jamastiene]

14. Let the positive reinforcement begin.

:D

[Irishonly]

15. Thanks for the list

I am straight and am going to use it. The list is for anyone supporting equal rights.