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A Cock and Bull Story: An Opinion on The Anti-Gay Chick-fil-A

If you haven’t heard of Chick-fil-A here is some background. Imagine the anti-burger shack, with Chicken sandwiches instead of Beef and waffle fries–the whole shebang. Their main markets are in the South, and now the Southwest…And between us, they have delicious food. THAT BEING SAID, they more than less royally suck and hate da gayz.

How so? Great inquiry. Recently, CEO of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy,  went on record saying they the company donated millions of dollars to anti-gay groups and causes, including the Marriage & Family Foundation and the Family Research Council . SO when my little dude loving lips devoured that chicken sandwich with extra mustard I was paying for them to take away my right to marry. WTF, (I’ve already said my 10 hail mary’s full of grace).

This deed in no way has gone without consequence; the public and queer communities outcry has been deafening and even Jim Henson’s company (Kermit, Miss Piggy, Sesame Street i.e. The Muppets) severed all promotional ties with them. However, just 5 days ago, Mayor Menino of the City of Boston took it a step further by declaring distance between the company and the Hub.

In a letter that has gone viral in the last few days, Mayor Menino states that “Here in Boston,… We are indeed full of pride for our support of same-sex marriage and our work to expand freedom to all people. ” He urges them to reconsider setting up shop in our illustrious and progressive city. What a bold statement; I personally feel even better about being here because I know that at the top of our community we have support.

There is something to be said, however, for freedom of speech.

Who are we to condemn this the fast-food chain for believing what they believe? We cannot silence them for their beliefs, though we do have a right to block them based on their actions. Chick-fil-A’s donations directly conflict with the civil liberties that many Massachusetts residents have fought to gain. Having them here in Boston is honestly a conflict of interest.

As a person of faith (BOTH MY ‘RENTS ARE PASTORS), I really appreciate believers (in whatever) sticking to their guns. But if you don’t want to support and affirm a demographic of your customers, then don’t open stores in their safe spaces. Don’t venture out in places where they have clout and control. UNLESS, you are willing to admit that money is more important to you than values. Is the financial gain of the New England market greater than your desire to reinforce the “family”? If that be the case, cut the dogmatic crap and keep personal opinions private. However, if heteronormative family structures are integral to your business and personal models then stay out of overtly queer and allied spaces. There are places in America where your beliefs are validated.

Serve Americans that you support. You want the queer community out of your stores, stay out of our neighborhoods.

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