Corp Big Guns Come OUT in Support of Ref 71

Some of Washington’s big named corporations including Boeing, Microsoft, Nike, Puget Sound Energy, RealNetworks and Vulcan have come together to support Referendum 71, the “everything but marriage” expanded same-sex domestic partnership law that was passed by the state’s legislature earlier this year.  However, due to anti-gay opposition, the expanded benefit plan for same-sex couples is now being put up for a vote in November.

The companies released a statement earlier this week which reads:

“We embrace everyone’s fundamental right to be judged on their merits and contributions rather than factors such as their sexual orientation. Because rejecting the law would stem progress toward that goal, we urge a vote to approve Referendum 71.”

Homophobic “Nike” Ad Causes Big Stir

Reprinted by permission from Advocate.com:

A Nike print ad making the rounds on the Web this week is causing a stir for its homophobic copy, which reads, “The only thing worse than going to the ballet is going to the ballet to see your son.”

But unlike previous ads that raised eyebrows among gays for their homophobic content — à la that Snickers Super Bowl ad that featured two men appalled when they accidentally kiss after eating through the candy bar from opposite ends — this ad wasn’t commissioned by Nike.

Read the rest by clicking here.

Cyd Zeigler Jr. over at “Out Sports” had this to say about the controversy:

“I am so tired of hearing these complaints every time a company does something that mocks feminine behavior. Welcome to 2009: Feminine behavior DOES NOT EQUAL gay behavior!!”

My Reply to Cyd (who I think is a fantastic writer by the way):

Whether the ad was intended as a gay slur or not really isn’t the point. As a gay man, who grew up playing sports, and taking ballet classes, (even on into my college years as I actually minored in ballet) I will say I found the ad offensive. I’m not sure if I was offended because it was “anti-gay” but I am certain I was offended because it stereotypes males who participate in the “sport” of dance. I’m not sure if any of your readers (who like myself love sports) have ever taken ballet classes, but if they have, they would know there is a great degree of athleticism that goes into ballet. I would challenge anyone to an hour of ballet class and see how they hold up! Regardless of the ad’s intent, I am not pleased with the fact it perpetuates a stereotype. Taking the jabs and jibes, as I did constantly growing up, (for doing what I loved) perhaps made me a better and stronger man today, but I don’t wish that upon anyone. It takes an especially strong person to stand up and be man enough to admit they love ballet, but no matter how strong you are, physically and mentally, those very jabs can leave scares that no one should have to bear, as they would be avoidable if we didn’t condone this behavior.

What’s your opinion?

Nike Pulls Controversial Ad Thanks to GLBT Community

Whatever other problems it has, Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) has, historically been on the side of the gay community. From sponsoring athletes at the Gay Games to offering domestic partnership benefits to its gay and lesbian employees, there is little fault for a gay rights activist to find with Nike.

But that didn’t stop some people from making up fake controversies. The companies ads for its Hyperdunk basketball shoes feature competing basketball players in photos with heads in each other’s crotches, hands on butts, etc. — stuff that happens all the time during basketball games.

Comment on this at bloggingstocks.com.

Nike Ad Homophobic? Decide for Yourself

According to Gay Recluse’s Harlem correspondent Neskers, a new Nike ad is plastered all over phone booths in his neighborhood. Homophobic or funny? You decide. Take a look here.