That's why I was deeply saddened to read about Chick-Fil-A®'s public statement about "families", today, and why I've decided to write this post. As a company that deals with the public, I've always felt that we should be open and accepting of all the diverse people that are kind enough to support our company. I personally feel that we have a responsibility to care for and respect all customers who walk through our doors. There are so many choices out there, and we know you work very hard for your money, so we are always grateful when you choose our company.
You aren't just a dollar sign to us. If you're a customer of ours, I hope you've always known that by the care in which we create your products, and the way we treat you. You create your families with our products, and share them with your friends and families. Most of you come back over and over to add new family members to your products, and have made us a tradition with your family. We are so grateful that you have accepted us, and we accept each and every one of our families. We wouldn't be here without you. ALL of you.
That's where Chick-Fil-A® really misses the boat. They made a public statement about their beliefs, and which particular customers they support, but, their customers, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, have been supporting them, for many, many years. Chick-Fil-A® wouldn't be where they are today, if it weren't for some of the very people (and their friends and families) they have announced they don't stand behind. While I believe the owners of Chick-Fil-A® have the right to their opinions, I also believe that since companies take money without descrimination, they should also serve those customers without descrimination. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be a LGBT family walking into Chick-Fil-A® today. I also wonder how the employees feel at Chick-Fil-A®, whether they are LGBT, or have friends or family members that are.
So, I wanted everyone out there to know that we don't believe as Chick-Fil-A® does, and most companies don't. Much larger companies included, like Disney®, who has been extending employee benefits most companies only reserve for legally married spouses, to domestic partners too, before there were any laws governing it. Johnson and Johnson Family of Products® and Walgreens® have also partnered in an amazing organization we have provided a link to, below. Although we have posted photos and label examples of a few LGBT families, we haven't made an official statement. It's scary. I know that we'll alienate some of our customers, and that we can be hurt as smaller company by making public statements like this. But, I've wanted to be more supportive of the LGBT community for a very long time. I guess it's time to stop being afraid. If we don't stand up for our friends, family members and co-workers, who will? It's a lot more scary for a young LGBT to come out to their family, than it is for me to come out to you, so to speak. It's time. And, I trust and believe in our Doodlekins customers!
My husband and I are "Straight for Equality" in full support of same-sex marriage. Our staff is also, and we decided the very first time we received an order from a same-sex couple, to make them feel welcome. Maybe it's a little intimidating, creating family labels when you are LGBT, because you're revealing your private life to a company you don't know. Imagine the simple act of creating address labels; would you be worried the company's staff might be laughing at you, or making snide comments?
That very first time was an order for address labels with two brides. We sent a congratulations card, and wrote that we supported them. One of the gals sent an email when she received the order. She said that she and her partner had a beautiful wedding with friends, but didn't have the support of their families, so our card meant the world to them. A simple act of kindness by strangers can make such a big impact. You don't know how much people need you out there, everyone. Be kind as often as you can, to as many people as you can.
We have served all kinds of families for over a decade, including those that are headed by single moms and dads, those with adopted children from this country and others, those that are mixed families that find each other a little later in life, inter-racial families, newlyweds in every combination, those that are unmarried and living together, and families with two moms or two dads. You have used our products to tell your story, and we have been honored.
To our LGBT couples and families, we are allies and support you in our fight for equal rights in this great country. To all, I hope you understand my need to write this, and will continue your support of Doodlekins™ as you always have. I love you ALL.
Megan
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| Me, with our new Doodlekins NO H8 accessory - available Friday, July 20. |
Resources for everyone:
Please find some of my favorite LGBT organizations, below. If you would like to share any with me and your fellow blog readers, please feel free to do so in the comments section.
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| Care with Pride |
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| Straight for Equality |
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| Get a free white knot at www.whiteknot.org and say "Everyone should have the right to tie the knot!" |
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| True Colors Organization |
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| It Gets Better gives hope to bullied teens. |
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