I had somehow been thinking that Goodwill Industries were anti-gay. From what I could find, the company itself doesn't have anti-gay policies, but individual branches may have their own issues. I found reports of stores harassing or firing out, gay employees. But I also found reports of other locations hiring transgender employees and being very supportive of transgender and gay people in their community.
I did, however, find that the Salvation Army is very anti-gay. Their policy states they will help those in need regardless of their sexual orientation, but from what I've read, they are against having gay employees. Their position is clearly stated on their web page.
We are getting to that time of year when the Salvation Army's red kettles and bell ringers will be out in front of stores and public places. Boycotts of the Salvation Army have been encouraged by LGBT groups for years. Bell ringers are not allowed in front of Target stores, not specifically because of their anti-LGBT policy, but because they don't want any solicitors in front of their doors. So, if you want to avoid them altogether, going to Target is a way to start. Although, if you're still boycotting Target for their big donation to the pro-business organization, MN Forward, which supported the anti-gay gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, you have other options for making a statement...
1) Talk to the bell ringer and explain why you won't donate. But realize that this is a volunteer who is trying to do a good deed, and please show them respect.
2) Write a note explaining why you won't donate to the Sal. Army and put that in the kettle. You could even print these up ahead of time to keep in your wallet or purse.
3) Print up a batch of these fantastic fake dollars to put into the kettle!
Give your holiday donations, instead, to a group that supports all people equally. Try Big Brothers, Big Sisters, The Trevor Project, The MN AIDS Project, or find an organization in your community that supports the well-being of ALL the members of the community.
