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Chick-fil-A

10 BUSINESSES TO AVOID THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IF YOU CARE ABOUT LGBT RIGHTS

John Wright
November 23, 2014

Many LGBT people know they should think twice about putting money in the Salvation Army's red kettles, resist the temptation of waffle fries at Chick-fil-A in the food court, and avoid fueling up at ExxonMobil on the way to grandma's house.

But even though they may not be as infamously anti-gay, many other major American retailers still aren't coming anywhere close to treating their LGBT employees equally in 2014. With Black Friday just days away, it's time to take a look at where not to spend our estimated $830 billion in annual buying power if we truly care about gay rights.

The Human Rights Campaign's annual Buying For Workplace Equality guide recommends avoiding any retailer that receives 45 points or less on the Corporate Equality Index, which was released this week.

"Whether you are buying a cup of coffee or renovating your home, by supporting businesses that support workplace equality you send a powerful message that LGBT inclusion is good for the bottom line," HRC says.

For a searchable database of all employers in the Corporate Equality Index, go here. Below are 10 retailers LGBT people should avoid based on their record on gay rights.

Bed, Bath and Beyond

HRC Score: 30

Headquarters: Union, N.J. 

Brooks Brothers

HRC Score: 0

Headquarters: Enfield, Conn. 

Cabela's

HRC Score: 0

Headquarters: Sidney, Neb.

Dillard's

HRC Score: 30

Headquarters: Little Rock, Ark. 

Lowe's Home Improvement

HRC Score: 30

Headquarters: Mooresville, N.C. 

Priceline.com

HRC Score: 15

Headquarters: Norwalk, Conn. 

Regal Entertainment (Regal Cinemas, Edwards Theatres, United Artists)

HRC Score: 35

Headquarters: Knoxville, Tenn. 

The Container Store

HRC Score: 15

Headquarters: Coppell, Texas

Spirit Airlines

HRC Score: 15

Headquarters: Miramar, Fla. 

Zales (Piercing Pagoda, Gordon's Jewelers) 

HRC Score: 15

Headquarters: Irving, Texas

*******

All of these deserve the same shaming that gave Barilla Pasta a wake up call about equality and human rights in the 21st century.  I know none of these companies get my hard earned dollars.  Moreover, I avoid stores that promote The Salvation Army by allowing the red kettles on their premises...

"Fear Eats the Soul"