Virginia Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to Launch

Back in 2007 I was one of the founders of Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR"), a local Hampton Roads based LGBT and LGBT friendly chamber of commerce.  Since its launch in 2007, HRBOR has grown remarkably and is indeed changing hearts and minds - and mindsets in the larger business community.  The Pensinsula Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are members (and HRBOR is a member of those chambers).  Now, a group in Charlottesville want to take the concept statewide with a goal of fighting anti-gay discrimination and making Virginia a more welcoming state for all businesses.  NBC-29 TV has details:

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va (WVIR) - A new business network is forming in Charlottesville to fight discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.

 

The Virginia Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is bringing together LGBT owned and friendly businesses to help promote them offer resources for customers.

Amy Benson and her partner own Moose's Restaurant by the Creek in Charlottesville. The women hope the chamber can help businesses like theirs find success and support.

“We figure that would be a good way for like-minded people to support people who support them,” stated Amy Benson of Moose's Restaurant by the Creek.

“People want to know that they're going to a business that is inclusive,” said Lisa Green, a board member of the VA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

The new gay and lesbian chamber will launch this summer statewide.  A Charlottesville-based board member wants to hear from businesses in central Virginia right now.

HRBOR October 16, 2014, Third Thursday - Governor's School for the Arts

I first became politically involved over 20 years ago largely through my efforts to support gifted education in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools.  Between being the president of the Virginia Association for the Gifted and Talented and my involvement in the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (those were the days when the GOP sought to strengthen education, not dumb it down to please the Christofascists), I worked to improve public school offerings and in the process to make the area more attractive for relocating businesses.  Yes, I had another motive: three academically gifted children of my own who needed more than the standard education fare. Through such efforts, magnet school programs were initiated and the International Baccalaureate program came to Virginia Beach.  Another program that benefited from our advocacy was the Governor's School for the Arts.  Tomorrow night, HRBOR's October Third Thursday will be hosted by the Governor's School in its new building.  Here's a brief description f what this amazing school does for students:

The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) offers premiere arts training in Hampton Roads in six departments:  Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Theater & Film, Visual Arts and Vocal Music.  Each department trains students to develop in their art form with a focus on conservatory style study. Students attend their neighborhood high schools in the morning and are bussed to GSA for 3 hours each afternoon.Each department at GSA is tailored to meet the demanding needs of each art form.

The talent of the students is amazing and often awe inspiring.  And yes, there are a good many LGBT students.

Here are details of tomorrow's event which I hope local readers will make an effort to attend.  I assure you, it will be a wonderful evening:

Date/Time Information:Thursday October 16th, 2014, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM

 

Where: Governor's School for the Arts, 254 Granby Street,Norfolk, VA 23510,757-995-1671

Bar Sponsors - L. Ashley Brooks PLC and Denette Cooke/The Cooke Veterinary Medical Center
Food Sponsor - The Norfolk Economic Development Authority/Charles Rigney

Fees/Admission: Free to HRBOR Members, Guests pay $15 to enter.

HRBOR: Virginia's First LGBT Chamber of Commerce fIs Thriving

One thing that I remain very proud of is my role in founding Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR") which remains for the moment Virginia's only NGLCC affiliated chamber of commerce.  Over the past seven yeas I served on the board of directors until I decided to not seek reappointment.  Through its networking events and visibility, HRBOR has opened hearts and minds.  Today's Inside Business carried a much deserved and very positive story on HRBOR and its work.  Here are excerpts:

It wasn't so long ago that there was still a social stigma attached to out and proud men and women in the workplace. If the public wasn't vandalizing your storefront or berating you publicly, they might at least spurn your business or speak about you disagreeably.

For seven years, HRBOR has been increasing local visibility for LGBT-friendly businesses, offering networking opportunities within the community and providing a business directory of LGBT and allied companies.

As a sponsor and partner in Hampton Roads PrideFest, [HRBPR President Carl] Johansen spent last week's seven-day celebration crisscrossing the region, visiting venues and events from Southside to the Peninsula and back again.

It's a trek, said Johansen, but it's also a testament to just how widespread LGBT acceptance has become.

"HRBOR has been in existence for seven years and I've been involved in all but the first," he said. "And in that time, I've seen HRBOR become more viable in the community and we've seen HRBOR become more and more a bridge for the LGBT community."

The proof, he said, is in the numbers.  After years of drawing crowds of 3,000 to 5,000, attendance at PrideFest has skyrocketed since 2012, pulling in anywhere from 17,000 to 20,000 people.

In that same time, HRBOR's membership has nearly doubled.

And these are not businesses or business leaders moving into the area, [Elena] Montello said. Most of her prospective members are men and women and companies that call Hampton Roads home.

Montello said she owes HRBOR's exponential growth to two phenomena: the growing voice of gay businessmen and -women, and the wider acceptance among heterosexual business leaders to identify as allies.

Montello, who is straight herself, said she was confused at first when she was asked to join HRBOR.
"I thought it was just a gay and lesbian business association and they said no, they opened it up to straight allies," she recalled. "Now that I'm a member, I've realized it was that opening up that has really helped."

There's no more prominent example than one of HRBOR's first partners, Tysinger Motor Co.
Mark Tysinger, president of the Hampton-based business that is now a HRBOR platinum partner, said it's not just about good business, it's about good ethics.

"Just in principle, we just agree with what they stand for," Tysinger said, "which is basically equal treatment and nondiscrimination."

Tysinger's company is one of HRBOR's more vocal proponents. The Tysinger showroom is often the setting of HRBOR's Third Thursday networking events, where members and prospective members have the chance to meet-up and tie-in with the LGBT and LGBT-supportive business community.

"I think they'd say we throw the best parties," Tysinger joked.   But Tysinger's name is no longer the only glossy logo posted on HRBOR's business directory.  Decorum Furniture, New York Life, SunTrust Bank, the list goes on.

[Johansen] he said he has one message for business leaders, LGBT and otherwise.  "Our HRBOR businesses are healthy. Our HRBOR businesses are strong. So, come out, be who you are and let's get to business."

Little did Christiana Flynn and I realize what we were starting when we began meeting over coffee back in the summer of 2006.  In May, 2007, we and the other eight original board members launched our vision and it continues to grow.   I have told readers early in the coming out process to get involved and, if there is no organization in their area, to start one.  That's what Christiana and I did and the rest is history.

HRBOR August Third Thursday - Paradise Ocean Club, Fort Monroe, Hampton

This month's HRBOR Third Thursday business networking event breaks new ground since it is being hosted by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.  The venue is likewise ground break - the event is at The Paradise Beach Club at historic Fort Monroe in Hampton.  There are no guest fees and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has said that it will make a special announcement at the event.   Local readers who have yet to make it to a HRBOR Third Thursday need to take advantage of this opportunity, especially since it is a lead up to Pride Fest this Saturday.  Here are event details:

WHAT: HRBOR August Third Thursday- Paradise Ocean Club - Fort Monroe, Hampton VA

 

WHEN: August 21, 2014, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

WHERE: Paradise Ocean Club in Fort Monroe, Hampton Virginia - 490 Fenwick Road,
Hampton VA 23651 - 757-224-0290    View a Map

FEES/ADMISSION: No guest fees this month. Members and Guests can attend for free. Register in advance for an extra chance to win a Paradise Ocean Club Cabana for a whole day for up to ten adults (valued at $250.)

 

 

Again, this August 21st Third Thursday Business Networking event is included in part of Hampton Roads Pride's Pride Week leading to Pridefest in Town Point Park on August 23rd.  I hope to see you there!

My New Career Path

It was a crazy and chaotic weekend as I closed down my law firm and move furniture and computers to the new firm offices.  I am hopefully that once the chaos of the move and the attendant computer/IT issues are fully sorted out that things will fall into a calmer and more business focused atmosphere.  It was difficult to tell my subtenants that they will need to negotiate with the landlord - who hopefully will not be an ass - for there continued use of the space after June 30, 2014, the date through which my law firm will pay rent and utilities.

Going forward, I am excited about being able to work more closer to home and not have to run the gauntlet of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel daily.  For those looking for me, my new work contact information is as follows:

Dillon Law Group, PLC
2809 South Lynnhaven Road, Suite 160
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 962-4796
mhamar@dillonlawgrp.com
www.dillonlawgrp.com
*Licensed in VA, TX & AL

Offices:
2809 South Lynnhaven Road, Suite 160
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 962-4796

11815 Fountain Way, Suite 300
Newport News, Virginia 23606
(757) 926-5255

As noted before, it has been very nice to experience the manner in which Liberty Title & Escrow is fully LGBT accepting - something which is a far cry from the local law firm that forced me out a decade ago for being gay.

With operations in 31 states, Liberty Title greatly expands my ability to serve clients, both here in Virginia and elsewhere.  I hope readers will feel free to contact me for advice and/or services not that I am with a firm with an extensive national reach.

Chrysler Joins Push for LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections

Based on Chrysler's announcement that it is joining with  Michigan's two largest regional chambers of commerce to push for expanded non-discrimination protections for LGBT Michigan citizens, it is safe to predict that the hate group American Family Association and its putative One Million Bitches Moms will be launching a boycott against the auto manufacturer.  Yet, Chrysler is not apologizing and has stated that expanded non-discrimination protections for LGBT citizens are a business issue. Just as noted many times on this blog, the lack of such protections impedes the ability of businesses, cities and states to attract the best and brightest talent.   Here are highlights from Gay South Florida:

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- Chrysler and Michigan's two largest regional chambers of commerce on Thursday joined a business-backed push for an update of state law to prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity, an issue Gov. Rick Snyder said lawmakers should consider later this year.

"It's a business issue," said Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "We've had companies in our area express concern about their ability to attract and retain talent. We wanted to address their concerns ... and create a climate where everyone feels welcome in Michigan."

The announcement at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference was no accident. The annual gathering attracts more than 1,500 of the state's top business, political and civic leaders, and Snyder — in his strongest comments to date — said he opposes discrimination and urged legislators to consider the issue later this year.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2014/05/chrysler-joins-push-to-bar-anti-gay-discrimination.html#storylink=cpy

Under Michigan law, it is illegal to discriminate based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status or marital status. Efforts to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list have stalled because of Republicans' concerns about infringing on employers' religious freedom.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2014/05/chrysler-joins-push-to-bar-anti-gay-discrimination.html#storylink=cpy

Earlier this month, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield and other companies launched the coalition to push for adding legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Those who signed on Thursday on Mackinac Island also include Kellogg, Pfizer and other businesses.

Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber, said it is time to address the law that people view as discriminatory.

"We know that the Legislature needs to hear from the business community to push this issue up to the top," he said. "We plan on spending the summer talking to them a lot on the issue, and we're hopeful that come fall we'll be able to take it up and get the issue off the table."

Sadly, no matter how much common sense LGBT employment protections make from a business point of view, the Christofascist will never willingly support them because an inherent part of the Christofascist mindset is a perverse sick need to condemn and discriminate against others.   Simply put, they are not nice or decent people.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/29/4144638/chrysler-others-join-effort-to.html#storylink=cpyS

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/29/4144638/chrysler-others-join-effort-to.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2014/05/chrysler-joins-push-to-bar-anti-gay-discrimination.html#storylink=cpy

 

Nondiscriminating Mississippi Businesses Accused of "Bullying" Christians

Recently, the GOP controlled Mississippi legislature passed a "turn the gays away" law that was signed into law by the GOP governor.  Some businesses were appalled at the legalization of religious based discrimination and came up with a simple campaign to indicate to customers that they were open to business for all citizens by placing stickers in their windows (see image above).  Not surprisingly, hate merchants from the vitriolically anti-gay American Family Association ("AFA") are now claiming that such businesses are "bullying" and persecution Christians.  AFA, a designated hate group, like what seems to be a majority of Christofascists, believes that anything that restricts Christians' ability to persecute others equates to "bullying" Christians.  It's a sick mindset, but it is now the norm among the "godly folks."   OneNewsNow - an AFA controlled "news" outlet - looks at the disingenuous shrieks of Christian persecution: 

In response to passage of that bill, owners who want the business of homosexuals are now posting blue, circular window stickers that incorporate the rainbow colors typically associated with homosexual activism.

Buddy Smith, executive vice president of Tupelo-based American Family Association, offers his take on the sticker campaign.

"It's not really a buying campaign, but it's a bully campaign," he says, "and it's being carried out by radical homosexual activists who intend to trample the freedom of Christians to live according to the dictates of scripture.

"They don't want to hear that homosexuality is sinful behavior – and they wish to silence Christians and the church who dare to believe this truth."

Smith offers a word of caution for those who do business with facilities posting the decal supporting homosexual activism. "If you do that, you are agreeing with these businesses that Christians no longer have the freedom to live out the dictates of their Christian faith and conscience," he tells OneNewsNow.

A website affiliated with the sticker campaign lists the Mississippi businesses that are participating. One of those listed is Jackson-based Milsaps College, which is connected with the United Methodist Church.

The take away?  That AFA and those who support it are vile and such people should not be treated with deference or respect.  They need to become social and political pariahs. A second take away?  It's little wonder that Mississippi ranks almost dead last among most states except when it comes to racism, homophobia and bigotry in general.

HRBOR April 17th Third Thursday - Host: New York Life

This month's HRBOR Third Thursday event should be another impressive affair.  April's host is New York Life and the networking event will be at the beautiful Pagoda on the Norfolk waterfront which sits in a gorgeous Japanese garden.  Rumor has it that a surprise announcement will be made and also details will be available about HRBOR's all new website.  Here are event details:

Date: April 17, 2014

 

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 

Location: Pagoda Garden Tea House, 265 W Tazewell St, Norfolk VA 23510

 

Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members  

Hampton Roads Business OutReach  ("HRBOR") is Virginia’s only LGBT Chamber of Commerce - Our goal is empowering and supporting member businesses and professionals to provide our community an inclusive and welcoming environment to live, work and grow.

I urge local readers to attend and make friends, market your business and support diversity.  This event will be especially poignant for me since it will be my last Third Thursday as a member of the HRBOR board of directors, a position I have held for six years.  HRBOR is very dear to my heart.

36 Oregon Employers File Amicus Brief Opposing Stae Marriage Ban

In an earlier post today I noted the backlash Mozilla has been experiencing as a result of the past anti-gay bigotry of the company's newly appointed CEO.  In sharp contrast to Mozilla are 36 Oregon employers who have filed a brief opposing that states same sex marriage ban.  True, there are companies like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties that are anti-modernity, but increasingly big business recognizes that diversity and religious neutrality are the most conducive to success.  The Register-Guard looks at the court filing and the list of companies joining in its filing.  Here are highlights:

A coalition of 36 Oregon employers — including Nike, the University of Oregon and the Portland Timbers — have weighed in on same sex marriage, urging a judge to overturn Oregon’s ban on it.

The employer coalition filed an “amicus curiae” or, “friend of the court” legal brief today in a case before the United States District Court in Eugene, saying that the ban on same sex marriage causes significant harm to Oregon businesses.

“To attract and retain the best talent, we believe we need laws that promote diversity and inclusion, that treat all Oregonians equally and that prevent discrimination,” Nike’s general counsel, Hilary Krane, said on behalf of the coalition.

The companies that signed the amicus brief said the ban forces them “to involuntarily become the face of discrimination based on sexual orientation when they are forced to administer benefits differently for employees with a same-sex spouse in order to comply with Oregon law (e.g., income tax law). That imposes additional confusion, costs, and administrative burdens, which further harm Oregon businesses and their employees.”

Nike has taken the lead in other states in filing similar amicus briefs, which are filed by businesses, organizations or individuals who aren’t a direct party in a lawsuit, but who have an interest in it.

Other employers who joined in filing the legal brief in Oregon are: Autodesk; Celilo Group Media, Inc.; Christopher David Experience Design; Columbia Sportswear Company; EDJE Consulting; Gard Communications; Gerding Edlen; HM3 Energy, Inc.; Intel Corporation; Jubitz Family Foundation; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; Medford Fabrication; Moda Health; Morel Ink; Neil Kelly Company; Northwest Evaluation Association; NW Natural; Oregon Business Association; Oregon Health & Science University; Oregon State University; PECI; Portland General Electric Company; Portland Public Schools; Portland State University; Powell’s Books; Russell Development Company; salesforce.com, Inc.; Standard Insurance Company; Starbucks Coffee Company; Portland Business Alliance; Tonkon Torp; Torpet LLC; and Weinstein PR.

Oral arguments are expected before the U.S. District Court on April 23.  U.S. District Judge Michael McShane has scheduled oral arguments for April 23 on two consolidated lawsuits challenging the gay marriage prohibition.

One Million Bitches (Moms) Target Nabisco

Increasingly, Christofascist deem anything that doesn't endorse their hate and fear based religious beliefs as a form of persecution.  Indeed, these sick individuals go out of their way looking for things to take offense over.  And this quest to find persecution where it doesn't exist now includes businesses that advertise and - gasp! - acknowledge that gays exist and that we have families.  A case in point?  The ongoing spittle flecked conniption fit by One Million Bitches Moms over Nabisco's ad for Honey Maid Graham Crackers that features a gay couple with a child.  The self-congratulatory modern day Pharisees at One Million Bitches Moms are shrieking that the ad is an effort to "normalize sin."  These women are sick and pathetic.  The New Civil Rights Movement looks at these shrews and their batshitery.  Here are highlights:

One Million Moms is at it again. Usually the low-budget activist arm of the American Family Association wants to tell Americans what not to watch, but now they also want to tell Americans what not to eat.

The far-less-than one million moms today posted an attack on Nabisco over the cracker-maker’s beautiful new ad promoting “wholesome” families, via its Honey Maid graham cracker brand.

USA Today explains this is a “brand new, multicolored, multisexual world of advertising,” and described the ad and the very real families in it:

In one 30-second Honey Maid ad, viewers will see everything from a same-sex couple bottle-feeding their son to an interracial couple and their three kids holding hands. The ad also features a Hispanic mother and an African-American father with their three mixed-race children. And there’s even a father covered in body tattoos. This is not some shockvertisement for Benetton. It’s an ad for one of America’s oldest and most familiar brands. The people in it are not actors, but real families. The message of the ad: These are wholesome families enjoying wholesome snacks.

Alas, the Christian group, which exists to annoy major corporations and to cull email addresses for its multi-million dollar parent — an anti-gay hate group — sees the ad a tad differently.

Claiming “One Million Moms stands up for Biblical truth which is very clear in Romans 1:26-27 about this particular type of sexual perversion,” they attack:

Nabisco should be ashamed of themselves for their latest Honey Maid and Teddy Graham cracker commercial where they attempt to normalize sin. Right away it shows two men with a baby, followed by other families, and ends with different families pictured including the one with two dads. This commercial not only promotes homosexuality, but then calls the scene in the advertisement wholesome. The ad states, “Everyday wholesome snacks for every wholesome family. This is wholesome.”

So, the far-less than one million moms are committing to boycotting:

100 Calorie Packs (Thinsations in Canada)
Arrowroot
Better Cheddars
Cameo
Captain Table
Chips Ahoy!
Chocolate Wafers
Dad’s Cookie (c. 1929 Canada)
Doo Dads
Honey Maid
Fudgee-O Cookies
Team Flakes
Trakinas
Triscuit
Wheat Squares
Bacon Dippers
In A Biskit
Lorna Doone
Orchard Crisps
Mallomars
Fig Newtons
Nutter Butter
Nilla
Oreo
Oreo Cakesters
Premium Saltines
Premium Plus
Ritz
Teddy Grahams
Toasted Chips
Toastettes
Wheat Thins
Rice Thins
SnackWells
Trakinas
Nabisco Classics
Club Social
Kraker Bran
Oro Saiwa
Frollini de Oro Saiwa
Sportz
Kool Stuf
Pecanz
Zu Zu Ginger Snaps

One would think that constantly looking for things to be outraged over would be exhausting.  However, since these folks make their living peddling hatred and shaking down the ignorant and gullible, this kind of batshitery isn't going to end any time soon.  It's truly enough to make one long for the day when conservative Christianity becomes a dead religion.

 

HRBOR March 20th, 2014 Third Thursday Business Networking - Tysinger Motors Audi Dealership

Just a reminder to local readers that they need to attend tonight's HRBOR Third Thursday Business Networking at the Tysinger Motors Audi Dealership from 6:00 to 9:00PM.  This event is going to be over the top and will be HRBOR's signature event of 2014.  There are no guest fees, so simply register on the HRBOR website and come enjoy the food, beverages, desserts and networking.  HRBOR has a few surprises for those attending - including a one night only 25% discount of new and renewing membership fees - so please do not miss this event.  Here are details:

Host - Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Hyundai Audi - 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton VA 23666 - (757) 865-8000

Bar Sponsor - Malvin Riggins & Company PC, Certified Public Accountants, Newport News Headquarters 757-881-9600 www.MalvinRiggins.com

Dessert Sponsor - Geneva N. Perry, Esquire, McDermott Ward, 2205 Executive Drive Hampton VA 23666 757-722-0611

Where: Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Hyundai Audi - 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton VA 23666 (757) 865-8000

When: Thursday March 20th 6:00 PM to 9:00PM

 

 

 

HRBOR is Virginia's only affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and our goal is to enhance the Hampton Roads business community, both gay and straight.  

HRBOR February Third Thursday - February 20, 2014

Still on a high from last week's marriage ruling here in Virginia?  Continue the excitement and join HRBOR members as they market their businesses and build new friendships at HRBOR's February Third Thursday which will be at Smith Powell & Associates located in the office complex with my law firm.  The event is co-hosted by Assurety Title & Escrow. You won't want to miss this.  Here are event details:

HRBOR February 20th, 2014

Third Thursday Business Networking 

at Smith Powell & Associates, Norfolk,

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

 

Host: Smith, Powell & Associates - 520 W 21st Street, Norfolk VA 23517-1950 757-626-1300 http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/gregory.f.smith

and
Assurety Title - 150 West Main St,Norfolk VA 23510 (757)213-6897 www.atehr.com

Where: Smith, Powell & Associate - 520 W 21st Street (Suite J2), Norfolk VA 23517 (757)626-1200 (Above Total Wine in Ghent)

Parking:  Ample parking in lot and surrounding streets.

 When: Thursday February 20th at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Featured Non-Profit: TBD

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues. 

HRBOR January 2014 Third Thursday - MJ's Tavern

This Thursday is HRBOR's first Third Thursday of the new year!  The January Third Thursday  Business Networking event is at MJ's Tavern this week on January 16, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

For new readers, HRBOR isVirginia's only LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce.  John Childers (HRBOR Founding Member) and partner Mike Diaz opened MJ's Tavern in a less than perfect economy several years ago. When other businesses where closing their doors, MJ's Tavern has flourished and become a popular spot among many to include the LGBT and Allied community.  Here are complete event details:

HRBOR January 16, 2014

Third Thursday Business Networking 

MJ's Tavern, Norfolk VA

Host: MJ's Tavern, John Childers and Mike Diaz owners, 4019 Granby Street, Norfolk VA 23504 757-648-8942 www.mjtavern.com

Featured Non-Profit: HRBOR (Hampton Roads Business OutReach) www.hrbor.org

 

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues.

MJ's has flourished and become a popular spot for the LGBT and allied community. Come celebrate their success and share the importance of Virginia's only Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Where to Shop: A List of Companies "Too Gay Friendly" for Christofascists

As always, the Christofascists are incessantly seeking to force their hate/fear based religious beliefs on all Americans.  This year, for those who have not completed their holiday shopping, "The Faith Driven Consumer 2013 Christmas Guide," produced by a group called the Faith Driven Consumer ("FDC") may provide a good list of where to shop.  Shop at any of the stores condemned as too gay friendly.  There are lots of options because retailers - surprise, surprise - are out to sell goods and products and, therefore, except for certain companies under Christofascist ownership, tend to want to market to all Americans.  Gay Star News looks at the list.  Here are article excerpts:

American Express, Adidas, Microsoft and Target have all been listed as too gay-friendly for Christmas by anti-gay Christians.

They have made a list, they’ve checked it twice, they’ve decided who is naughty and nice.

While some companies like Hallmark and Toys R Us still make it into the ‘faith-friendly’ category despite supporting LGBTI equality, others like Gap, Visa and Sears are deemed beyond the pale.

The Faith Driven Consumer 2013 Christmas Guide is produced by the Faith Driven Consumer group, based in the US.

It particularly targets companies that ‘normalize’ LGBTI people ‘in the economic arena and broader culture’ and back same-sex marriage.

It also attacks companies that support a woman’s right to have an abortion or who have ‘pornographic’ rather than ‘wholesome’ advertising. But firms win points for philanthropy, corporate responsibility and backing Christian values.

While GSN can’t confirm the accuracy of the research, the list could equally be used by LGBTI people and their friends to decide which firms should win their custom this Christmas.

Here’s FDC's list of companies condemned as too gay friendly along with some of their claims about each company:

• American Express: ‘Strong support’ for gay, bi and trans equality
• Apple: ‘Vocally supports same-sex marriage… and caved in to pressure from small groups of homosexual and transgender activists and their allies by removing previously approved, faith-based apps supporting natural and traditional sexuality’
• Barnes & Noble: ‘Strong embrace’ of LGBTI rights
• Best Buy: ‘Strong proponent of the homosexual and transgender political movement’
• Costco: ‘Nearly perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign – indicating strong corporate support for the homosexual and transgender political agenda in the workplace’
• Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic: ‘Strong support’ of LGBTI rights ‘including same-sex marriage’
• The Home Depot: ‘Stubborn and staunch support’ for LGBTI rights and allowed filming ‘for a flash mob same-sex marriage proposal at one of its stores – igniting a social media phenomenon that homosexual activists leveraged to promote same-sex marriage to young children’
• JC Penney: ‘Came out in support of same-sex marriage'
• Levi Strauss and Co: ‘Full embrace’ of LGBTI equality and same-sex marriage
• Macy’s: ‘Actively campaigns for the homosexual and transgender political agenda and has a whole section of its website devoted to gay “pride” and history’
• Microsoft: A ‘leading corporate advocate’ for LGBTI rights whose ‘top executives made six-figure contributions to the effort to redefine marriage in Washington state in 2012’
• Nike: Supports gay and trans equality and donated ‘$280,000 to the current effort in Oregon to redefine’ marriage
• Sears, Kmart, Land’s End: ‘Committed supporter’ of LGBTI issues and same-sex marriage
• Sony: ‘Strongly supports the political and social agenda of the homosexual, bisexual and transgender activist movement’
• Target: ‘Strongly supports abortion rights and the homosexual and transgender political agenda’
• TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods: ‘Not come out in support of same-sex marriage’ but gets a ‘perfect score’ from the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTI workplace inclusion
• Visa: ‘Embrace of the homosexual… agenda is a concern’

By coincidence, all of our purchases so far have been at stores condemned by the Christofascists! 
  

The Faith Driven Consumer 2013 Christmas Guide is produced by the Faith Driven Consumer group, - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/apple-abercrombie-and-nike-are-too-gay-christmas-say-christians151213#sthash.DYsgB8QD.dpuf