Gay rights activists plan Chick-fil-A 'Kiss In'

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) -- Gay rights activists and other supporters of marriage equality plan a national "Kiss In" at Chick-fil-A restaurants Friday to protest the fast-food chain owners' opposition to same-sex unions.

Participants are encouraged to come to the fast-food chains and kiss a fellow demonstrator of the same sex. One organizer, Carly McGehee of Dallas, said she hopes the event "helps LGBT youth who feel isolated and are victims of bullying."



Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CHICK_FIL_A_GAY_MARRIAGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-08-03-04-13-01

[lunatica]

1. This has my complete support

If they wanted to see the Gay Community cower in fear or be silenced they're dead wrong.

[Le Taz Hot]

2. This 57-year-old

(mostly) heterosexual female will be there kissing as many wonderful females that will let me.

On edit: Heteros, now is the time to put your lips where your civil rights beliefs are. Or are you just keyboard commandos?

I put this up in GD:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021066276

So far, not one response or rec. I wish I were surprised.

[Iggo]

23. I'll be there.

[ThomThom]

3. I hope they are not going to buy anything

they could all use the restroom and use up the paper towels

[onehandle]

4. I think tolerant straight couples should show up too. To show it's not just 'gay vs straight.'

The bigots from yesterday are surely 'all' straight. We should show that this side of the 'argument' is supported by gay and straight people.

And it would inflate the number of participants.

Buy a small drink, so that the greasy chicken place cannot claim you are 'trespassing.' Take a seat. Start kissing, lightly and respectively for a couple of hours.

[Chan790]

9. Most jurisdictions now allow them to post loitering warnings...

that say, basically that if it takes you more than 20 minutes to eat, you're trespassing. The flip side to that is that it's very hard for them to throw you out of the store unless you're causing an altercation or other non-trivial disruption...even if you buy nothing...for those 20 minutes or 30 minutes.

Go in, use their can, use their TP, wash your hands with their water, take some ketchup and sauce, grab your make-out partner and kiss them. Basically dilly-dally for 18 minutes, then leave, buying nothing...leave the property entirely. Come back in an hour and do it again. If you get even 15-20 involved and you stagger-time it right, you can consistently protest for hours with a small group of people, cost them money, pay them nothing and make your point.

[Bluenorthwest]

14. The first line in the story: Gay rights activists and other supporters of marriage equality

Those 'other supporters' would be 'other than gay'. That means, usually, straight folks. First line of the story.

[Chemisse]

6. Great idea!

Homophobes absolutely need to see gay kissing. They need to get used to it, start to accept it as 'normal', and finally, embrace the differences among us.

[JHB]

7. Get on your gay at Chick-Fil-A!

To me this is the best response, but then I'm a straight guy in the northeast, not someone who has to deal with it directly in any meaningful way.

More power to this bunch, and support for everyone else who isn't in a position to do something like this.

[Eddie Haskell]

13. To me this is not the best response.

You don't have to eat their food, but you have no right to tie-up their property for non-productive purposes. Boycott the chain and let it go at that.

[Iggo]

26. Yeah, just stay home and shut up.

Nothing has ever been gained by protesting.

[Eddie Haskell]

28. Or lost!

You're protesting a man's opinion. You can't force everyone think the way you do. They have rights too. Fight from the high ground and you'll win more wars.

[Iggo]

32. No, I'm not.

I'm protesting how he spends the money I give him, I'm telling people that I'm not giving him any more of my money, and I'm encouraging others to join me in not giving him any more money.

I don't care how he thinks. I'm not trying to change his opinion.

And sometimes ya gotta take that hill, know'm say'n?

[Eddie Haskell]

43. If you give it to him, it's his money.

I think the SC has already decided the issue of money and speech. I agree with your encouraging others to join the boycott, but what's with the show of affection in the face of customers eating lunch? I don't care who's kissing who, but please, not while I'm eating.

[Iggo]

45. I don't care about bothering bigots.

That's half the fun of protesting.

[bitchkitty]

46. So don't go. n/t

[emilyg]

49. Right on.

[SkyDaddy7]

37. I could not agree more...

And it was my gay friend & his boyfriend who told me they feel this is going to hurt their cause more than help it.

[LanternWaste]

48. This probably hurt the cause just as badly

This probably hurt the cause just as badly-- seems as though it turned off a lot of God-fearing white people-- very unpopular indeed. Should have just stayed away and voted with their wallets. Made the cause look bad, etc...





But at the end of the day, six of one is indeed the same as half a dozen of the other, regardless of how we may attempt to rationalize a distinction without a difference...

[JI7]

53. Chick Fila is willing to Serve Gay Customers , the problem with Chick Fila

is not how they run their restaurant. they will hire gays, serve gays etc.

but it's that the owner gives money to anti gay causes. if the restaurants do well he will have more money to give to those things. it requires more education and somethingpeople don't really understand.

there are lot of people saying they aren't discriminating against gays at the restaurant. but it's not really about that. people need to be taught.

[smirkymonkey]

60. Excellent Point. Hit them in the wallet, where it hurts them

and doesn't cause anymore harm by backing their hateful causes.

[earthside]

8. Bad idea.

Hello!

Real world here.

This kind of provocative display (and that is how it will be perceived by middle America) inside the confines of a 'family' restaurant is going to boomerang against the cause of those participating.

Sure, it sounds good and bold and 'radical' and assertive (especially here at DU) ... but this is precisely the kind of activism that makes folks cringe.

Frankly, this Chick-fil-A dust-up has not been a shining moment for gay rights -- it just comes across as picky and trivial -- the sooner it fades away, the better.

Besides, this 'national "Kiss In"' will largely be a flop and will further make this whole episode look even sillier.

Bad idea.

[Chan790]

10. My copy of Rules for Radicals disagrees with you.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that even being dead nearly 40 years, Saul Alinsky has better insights into effective protest-activism than either of us...and he'd love this tactic.

[originalpckelly]

11. Fuck off.

This man basically said that we are going to incur God's wrath for "challenging" his definition of marriage.

Because as we all know, God never put adultery in the Ten Commandments that conservatives want plastered over every public building, right? And that's not the real reason so many marriages end?

How many religious conservative nuts have cheated on their wives, then go on to judge others?

I'll tell you what, being gay is nothing like cheating on your wife in the amount of pain and suffering it causes.

[FBaggins]

12. Two edits...

...and you can't see your way through to clearing the vulgarity?

You don't think that hurts your argument?

[Bluenorthwest]

16. Obviously the poster's argument is sound if your only counterpoint is

'watch your language' which is hilarious on an adult political board. 'Vulgarity'? My my. Mrs Judith Beasley lives!

[FBaggins]

18. I thought the point was pretty straightforward

In a debate where you accuse the other side of hatred... you don't think it opens you up to charges of hypocrisy to display hatred yourself?

If the public perception of the last few days adds up to masses of people waiting patiently in line with smiles on their faces... followed by childish tirades (as with that fired CFO?) and vulgarities... how do we win hearts and minds? How do they SEE hatred that they were previously blind to when the external behavior of the two sides belies the claim?

Sure, one is superficial while the other is fundamental, but in the realm of public debate, the superficial is what people see. I agree with part of your other post that the movement has made great strides... but I disagree with the notion that much (if any) of that has been accomplished with vulgarity and anger.

That CFO didn't just lose his job... he hurt his own cause. Because the whole world saw his anger and rude behavior... while the teenage girl showed grace under fire. If you didn't know what the debate was about, you wouldn't have a chance of recognizing where the hatred lay.

which is hilarious on an adult political board

Really?

IMO it's such a shame that juvenile behavior of early teens pretending to be "all that" somehow got labeled as "adult" language. In reality, the adjectival use of the word "adult" has taken on exactly the opposite meaning.

You say it's an adult political board... and I reply that we should act like that were true.

[Bluenorthwest]

20. I think it is juvenile to call a kiss in a display of hatred.

People expressing love for one another, you call that a display of hatered? That is the sort of misuse of language that should offend a thinking person. But you have your priorities, fighting 'vulgarity' while others fight for equality.

[FBaggins]

41. Who is talking about a kiss?

If you read the post, I refered to the behavior of one poster and that of a guy who posted a video of himself online.

[SkyDaddy7]

38. Could not agree more!!

Simply trying to get under the skin of dumb Christians does nothing to help forwarding the cause of gay rights...It just doesn't!

[Iggo]

39. .

[CBGLuthier]

50. Gee, when I tell them to fuck off, I get my post hidden, I guess that star really is worth something

[smirkymonkey]

61. Besides, God hates fatty, greasy chicken served with a side of bigotry.

[Bluenorthwest]

17. So tell us, what major political progress have you made, using your techniques?

What area of interest have you applied your 'real world' concepts to with good results? During my lifetime, the GLBT community has made huge strides, no other group compares in current times to what we have accomplished in the face of ignorance and plauge.
So list your big accomplishments, prove you have any form of standing or experience which lends credibility to your preaching.
I basically laugh when straight folks want to tell us how to do things. They seem to feel they have a birth right to preach and lecture without so much as an introduction....

[yardwork]

19. My human rights = picky and trivial.

Next you'll tell me that I want a pony.

[Bluenorthwest]

22. There will be no response

They come to lecture, not to discuss or to listen or to learn.
It's just one song. Just one prayer. Just one sandwich....

[yardwork]

35. The message is clear. Same song, latest version.

"You gays lost us the election in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, whoops we won in 2008 but no thanks to you gays, and it's just a two minute prayer!!!!"

[earthside]

24. Marriage, Civil Unions: Real.

Staging a "Kiss-In" at a sandwich shop: trivial.

[Bluenorthwest]

25. This is part of the fight for equality, a fun theatrical part...

I asked you lots of questions you are avoiding. What have your tactics accomplished for your own personal priorities in politics?

[yardwork]

34. What do you suggest instead?

[RitchieRich]

29. They'll be moved alright

The first thing that comes to mind is my office manager, who listens to Rush all day. Her reaction will not be to join the hippie love fest and start singing victory songs. Not at all. She will feel attacked and will use this for years as justification upping the level of hate.
While agreeing with the intention of this protest, we are dealing with an unstable, well armed group of people who don't need a whole lot of prodding to act out violently.

[yardwork]

36. So we definitely want to give in to them entirely in the hope that they won't hurt us more.

Your office manager might be upset with me for being out and proud, so I better go back in the closet and cower there in the hope that she won't escalate her hate.

On second thought, um, no.

[bitchkitty]

47. If she listens to Rush all day,

she's already lost and no amount of kissing or not kissing is going to change that.

[smirkymonkey]

62. The fact that she listens to Rush all day (IN THE OFFICE!!) proves that she's already hopeless.

God - where do you work? Nobody in my office would ever get away with listening to hate politicts all day. They'd be show the door in no time.

[Rob H.]

40. Right, because sitting down and shutting up

is a great way to effect change.

Frankly, this Chick-fil-A dust-up has not been a shining moment for gay rights -- it just comes across as picky and trivial -- the sooner it fades away, the better.

WTF? Not a shining moment for gay rights? The CEO of Chick-fil-A is the one who started this whole thing with his narrow-minded, homophobic statements, there was a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day"* (inspired by conservative assclown Mike Huckabee) and the GLBT community is just supposed to pretend they've got better things to do lest a counter-protest offend someone's delicate sensibilities? Seriously? Screw that.

I'm surprised no one has chimed in with, "But, but, it's an election year! Standing up for teh gayz might alienate potential Democratic voters!!1!!1" I'm sure it's coming, though.


*The number of customers crowding the Chick-fil-As here was so high that it was actually causing big traffic problems not just in the city, but in the surrounding suburbs that have Chick-fil-As, so don't think for a second that it wasn't a big deal and no one noticed.

Edited to add: Another thing to keep in mind is that it isn't just the company's statements and beliefs that brought them all ire directed at them, it's also the fact that they've given millions of dollars to antigay causes. They're demonizing GLBT people and contributing huge sums of money to organizations that want to deny a large group of Americans their civil rights.

/rant

[Moltisanti]

15. Bible thumpers lined up for waffle fries or homosexuals kissing

will not change much if you look at the big picture.....
I think the whole thing is kind of silly.... Spend your time and money on
something that will make a difference....

[brooklynite]

21. Bad idea...

...because it keeps this non-story in the news for another day.

[Bluenorthwest]

31. And how is that a bad thing for us?

The fight for civil rights is the story of the year. The idea that the American people and our culture are 'non stories' while the 'important' stories are about politics is sort of disgusting to me. Seems like that would serve those who make stacks of cash in politics. Sure would not serve me or mine. Just you and yours.

[lynne]

27. Wonder how many CFA supporters -

- will be there just to watch the girl-on-girl action?

Probably more than you'd imagine.

[0rganism]

58. chick-on-chick fil-a?

oh well, it had to be said.

[Keefer]

30. Just be careful of the

loitering laws. Some jurisdictions even have laws against public displays of affection, gay OR straight. Just sayin'...

[4th law of robotics]

33. Stupid idea

they should have coordinated to get the westboro church out there to protest all the homosexuals.

Then when they news vans come by you can always pose the argument as the protesters versus Chickfila *and* the westboro baptist church (just back from protesting a military funeral no doubt).

Hating the WBC is one of the few things 99% of the country can agree on. You may as well use them for some constructive purpose. Frankly they owe us all that.

[rDigital]

42. ROE (Rules of Engagement)

1. Don't make an ass out of yourself. Be classy, else you dilute the message. Leave the ego at home and put on your game face. This isn't about you personally, it's about equality for everyone.

2. Be respectful, but get your point across. Even when people agree with your message, if you offend their sensibilities they will not stand with you. Be respectful.

3. Remember, individual employees are not the ones being protested, be friendly! : )

4. Obey all commands from law enforcement if confronted. If possible, make sure all LEO contact is documented on video/audio recording. Remember you are on private property, if you are asked to leave by whoever is in charge of the premises: you have to go. Else, you will be charged with criminal trespassing.

5. If someone makes bigoted comments to you, do not give in to their efforts. They want you to react negatively so they can show others how "bad" you are. They're trolling you. Don't react, smile and go about your business.

6. Smootch

[JohnnyLib2]

44. In this area (Kentucky), that will/would be at best a small step in a long, long march.

Sad to say.

[Green_Lantern]

51. more publicity will help Chick in short run..

But in the long run Chick will be linked to GOP and one side in a polarized issue that probably will be as taboo as segregation is 10 years.

This will only narrow their customer base honestly. So, this kiss in is a good idea.

[iandhr]

52. Brilliant

[ldf]

54. the perversion that is now the republican party

is already worried about their base having no enthusiasm for mitt...

but, hatred of homos will get their bigots and talibornagains to the polls when nothing else will, and this is playing right into their hands.

we may now have the support of the majority of the public.

but the majority of the public doesn't vote. so it is a rather empty victory...

the haters will be there, come hell or high water.

edit for grammar..

edited a second time to add..

this has to be settled in the courts. public opinion has absolutely no role in human rights.

period.

that has to be written in stone.

[Nevernose]

55. They'll accuse gays of "violating Christians religious freedoms"

They'll accuse gays of "violating Christians religious freedoms." I saw this argument on Facebook just a couple of weeks ago when the two women were forced to leave a city park in Tennessee or Kentucky. Shitloads of "I believe, and my religion teaches, that homosexuality is a sin, so why should gays get special rights to force families with children, just trying to have a good time, to view their public sin? What about my religious freedom?"

And you can probably predict the responses from there. I say, "Well, according to my religion, you should be wearing a burka, and not at the park without a male relative in the first place." then they say, "But this is a Christian nation!". And then I say, "Look, if you think making out or getting married to someone of the same sex is a sin, then don't make out with or get married to someone of the sex." And then there's no rational reply, so they usually go right back to "But what about my rights as a Christian!?!" And then I freak out and say, "Do you even think about the shit you say? Two dudes holding hands in a park or making out at the local fried chicken shack doesn't make you gay, nor does it mean you're not a Christian anymore. And why are you spending so much time wondering about strangers' genitals so much?"

I can't be the only one to have had this argument with strangers a thousand times...

[smirkymonkey]

63. Yes, they do seem overly obsessed about what people do sexually. Makes me kind of suspicious.

Also, their religion violates my secular humanist freedoms! Why can't I get my whine-fest on like they do?

[slackmaster]

56. A few of my co-workers got lunch there today to see the "show"

They didn't see much.

[lindysalsagal]

57. It's the Sodomobile! Yay!

[Tanelorn]

59. Gloria Jeans Boycott

Several months ago Gloria Jeans Coffee donated money to an anti gay activist group. The anto Gloria Jeans campaign went viral on Facebook. It has taken months of apologies for this to settle down(not completely). I am just interested in the huge backlash that can happen instantly. This is people power in action and it seems to require little need for motivation. It just happens.