In the 2000 film High Fidelity, John Cusack‘s character, Rob, giddy from a date with Lisa Bonet said it best: “What really matters is what you like, not what you are like … books, records, films — these things matter. Call me shallow but it’s the f—in’ truth.”
While one would hope that what you are like matters somewhat, I think we pop-culture fiends can understand Rob’s sentiment: You are what you eat, watch, listen to, read, etc. So when I found out my fave local theater was dishing out cash to support the Yes on 8 campaign, I got pissed — really pissed.
There are many things you can do with their free time, so why not know that you aren’t watching a hot dyke film in a theater whose owners think dykes are going to hell?
This week, Queerty.com released a list of the top ten offenders when it comes to hatin’ on the gays. While boycotts sometimes seem futile (it takes a real commitment to not purchase/partake in things that aren’t evil and inherently wrong while living in a capitalist society), there is something to be said about not spending your day off eating pizza and watching films that support homophobic business owners.
The list runs down all the usual suspects: Wal-Mart, ExxonMobil, Salvation Army. All refuse benefits for domestic partners, and Salvation Army says that “practicing homosexuals” aren’t welcome in their organization. Cool!
While not throwing cash into Salvation Army’s red bucket seems easy enough, Cinemark Theatres took it to a new level. In many cities, there were limited theaters playing Milk at first — Cinemark was one of them. Brokeback Mountain was another big moneymaker for the theater.
The same theaters ran Imagine Me and You. Take our money then try taking our rights away? Rude.
One of the worst offenders on Queerty’s list is Domino’s Pizza. Don’t be too offended; they straight-up hate on everyone. President Thomas Monaghan donates to pro-life groups and refuses to adhere to anti-discrimination laws. Oh, and that pizza will seriously tear your stomach up.
Political activism may not be your cup of tea, but there are small things you can do to get your hard-earned, queer cash away from those who want to take your rights away (or assure you never get those rights at all.) For more on what you can do, check out Queerty’s full list.
If you knew a business had anti-gay policies, would it stop you from supporting them?
