LGBTQ news and entertainment
Starbucks would just like to remind you all:
“Everyone is welcome at Starbucks. Creating a culture of warmth and belonging is a core value of our company and we have been committed to diversity and inclusion since our earliest days.
“Starbucks joins with others opposing any state or federal legislation that permits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and encourages policymakers everywhere to embrace equality.”
(via press release)
Starbucks first LGBT ad – “Coffee Frenemies” featuring Bianca Del Rio and Adore Delano, fan favorites from the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Because even top RuPaul queens need caffeine.
There’s a very simple reason behind the misspelling of your name at Starbucks.
This Buzzfeed video explains why these things happen.
Starbucks celebrated the beginning of Seattle’s 40th LGBT Pride Week on Monday by raising an 800 square foot rainbow pride flag over its Seattle headquarters.
“A gesture as simple as flying a flag might not seem like much on face, but it represents another step forward for the LGBT community as companies all around Seattle both recognize and celebrate the LGBT community,” said Seattle Pride, in a statement.
“The flag flying over their headquarters will welcome thousands of visitors coming to Seattle to celebrate Pride this week and is a testament to the support Starbucks has shown the LGBT community over the years,” said Adam McRoberts, Communications Director for Seattle Pride.
Well, this is sweet. Starbucks includes a lesbian couple of two moms in their new campaign – with voiceover by none other than Oprah herself.
Apparently, if you head to Starbucks on Mother’s Day, when you buy yourself an Oprah Chai Tea latte, mom gets one for free.
From Starbucks:
No one has done more for you than she has. This Mother’s Day, give her the thoughtful treat of time with you.
When you bring your mom to a participating Starbucks® store on Sunday, May 11, and buy a Teavana® Oprah Chai Tea latte, hers is on us.
Starbucks has begun testing a program of offering wine, beer and small plates after 4pm in a program called “Starbucks Evenings.”
Today, only 40 of the more than 11,000 Starbucks in the country are involved in the after-hours program, including the ones in DC’s Dulles airport and inside LA’s LAX.
Chief Operating Officer Troy Alstead told Bloomberg in a phone interview that the company will be bringing alcohol to thousands of stores in the near future. Though, says Alstead, the rollout will take several years and isn’t expected to hit every store in the country.
The company plans to focus on urban and other growth areas first.
I’m TOTALLY in favor of this.
Now please.
On one hand, you have to give a little credit to “sticking with it” I guess.
On the other hand? Well, on the other hand, after 12 months of the National Organization for Marriage’s “boycott” of Starbucks the company’s stock is at a 12 month high.
Oh – and congrats on Delaware, too, NOM – great work. See you in Minnesota.
(h/t JMG)
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, at the company’s annual meeting in Seattle, defended his company’s support of same-sex marriage to a disgruntled share holder.
From KPLU:
At the company’s annual meeting Wednesday, shareholder Tom Strobhar suggested that the boycott had indeed bled the company of value.
CEO Howard Schultz shot back that the decision to back gay marriage was not about the bottom line, but about respecting diversity. He said the company had delivered a healthy return last year, boycott or no.
Excuse me while I run to Starbucks to buy something…
National Marriage Equality Day is meant to counter the record setting sales on August 1 which was promoted by anti-gay groups as Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.
Starbucks announced its support of a marriage equality law in its home state of Washington earlier this year. The National Organization for Marriage launched a Starbucks boycott, only for LGBT people and allies to come out in droves to thank the Washington-based coffee chain for its support.
Kirsten Ott Palladino, editor of Equally Wed, and her wife organized the latest display of appreciation for Starbucks. It has now expanded to support several pro-gay companies including J.C. Penney, Nike, and Ben & Jerry’s.
From the YouTube description – “Pastor Bob Enyart of Denver Bible Church joins DumpStarbucks.com by pouring his Venti (20 oz) Pike blend down a Colorado sewer because the company is trying to undermine the teach of Jesus Christ that God made us male and female at the beginning of creation.”
Please note – Boycott 101: Don’t buy the product of the company you’re boycotting.
Take a few minutes and sit with that.
We appreciate you supporting Starbucks and their inclusive policies. Thank you.