In 2017, Chick-fil-A asked its franchisees not to make public statements about political issues, and two years later they made another headliner. Chick-fil-A, the southern-based fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and fries has continued donating to anti-LGBTQ charities through its foundation, ThinkProgress reports. It is even reported that a decision that has been made to remove Chick-fil-A from plans for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the San Antonio City airport.
It shocked many that a restaurant would donate to a cause where queer rights would possibly be taken away. In response, people think that Chick-fil-A should be boycotted while other social media users reacted to the news like it was no big deal because the corporation already is making more than enough to keep running.
One user took to Instagram to defend the policy: “Everybody’s like “don’t eat at Chick-fil-A” and I get that, being your local bi and all, but in all holes, no corporation is 100% ethical and 1,000 people boycotting them isn’t going to impact their customer base all that much. Also, ten corporations own like 80% of American products/businesses so even if you think you’re buying something “okay,” likely you’re still contributing to a mega-corporation that more than likely does some real shady stuff. So honestly? I’m gonna eat the damn chicken sandwich.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a large number of big brands have come out this year in support of LGBT rights and benefits. AT&T gave $1 million to The Trevor Project, an LGBT+ crisis-intervention nonprofit, the largest single donation in the organization’s history during Pride month, Business Insider. Other companies include Ben and Jerry’s, Target, Levis, Nike, and Hilton.