Boycott Utah or not?
Dec 8, 2008, 9:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 135
Boycott Utah or not?
My conundrum- was disgusted at the LDS church's support for prop. 8. But I'm also way into Utah snow, so what would be the most appropriate way of spending my money in SLC? Or shall I go elsewhere?
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Dec 8, 2008, 10:34 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Boycott Utah.. go to Colorado or Wyoming (preferably CO as it is now a much gay friendlier state) and send a copy of the receipts for all purchases to the Utah Tourism Board and the LDS Church with a nice letter showing them that you have taken your pink and lavender dollars someplace else that does not actively go out and destroy the already-given right to love and be loved. Perhaps if enough people did that, it would attract some attention. Maybe even a newspaper would get involved and it would start to hurt local hate-mongers' pocketbooks.
Dec 8, 2008, 2:19 pm
#4
Former user name: laundrian
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I wish I could boycott Utah but.... Sundance film festival?? I have to go every year. The food, the drinks, and the swags. Plus my job would be on the line if I don't show up.
Dec 8, 2008, 10:44 pm
#5
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Dec 11, 2008, 7:04 pm
#7
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I'd never vacation there, But I'm a hypocrite since I'll be flying thru SLC in Feb to save about $300........ But I won't spend any money at the airport.
Dec 11, 2008, 8:51 pm
#9
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On the other hand, if you boycott a state, you boycott gay businesses and employees. Perhaps a better way to help would be to steer your dollars towards gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Try Purple Roofs or another gay guide to book a gay B&B. Maybe call a gay hotline for restaurant recommendations. I understand there is quite a brave gay community in Salt Lake City. Any other suggestions along these lines?
Dec 12, 2008, 8:06 pm
#10
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Dec 12, 2008, 8:12 pm
#11
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I don't think a boycott of SLC would be noticed. On the other hand, having been there, a bigger gay presence of visitors in hotels, restaurants, bars and even wandering around things Mormon, is going to have a larger effect. Support the active and friendly gay community there.
Dec 16, 2008, 10:40 am
#13
Former user name: laundrian
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It is my job to be at Sundance ( Jan 2009). I couldn't boycott Utah as I would like. However, there is a LONG list of Mormon's owned business to avoid.
I am sure they don't care much since they probably don't want money from "sinners".
I am sure they don't care much since they probably don't want money from "sinners".
Dec 20, 2008, 4:47 pm
#14
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I'm going for the first time, but just for the closing weekend, Jan. 24-25. Need to get press passes. Perhaps we could meet up...
Dec 22, 2008, 1:48 am
#15
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I don't think a boycott is the most effective response to what has happened. As a Californian, I am very angry about money coming from outside the state to help determine events that will never affect the people that don't live here.
Having said that, a boycott affects a lot of people who were not in favor of Prop. 8. Spending money in Wyoming or elsewhere is not the answer - those people could quite likely also vote for Prop. 8 or support anti-gay measures given the opportunity and the organizational efforts on their behalf. And here in Los Angeles, there has been quite a backlash against the El Coyote Restaurant because the manager gave $100 to the Yes On 8 Campaign. The restaurant has always had a "gay Thursday" night, and now that business is down 40% because of boycotting the restaurant, a lot of gay employees have their hours (and wages/tips) cut.
I think you have to take the fight directly to those who would take away our rights.
Having said that, a boycott affects a lot of people who were not in favor of Prop. 8. Spending money in Wyoming or elsewhere is not the answer - those people could quite likely also vote for Prop. 8 or support anti-gay measures given the opportunity and the organizational efforts on their behalf. And here in Los Angeles, there has been quite a backlash against the El Coyote Restaurant because the manager gave $100 to the Yes On 8 Campaign. The restaurant has always had a "gay Thursday" night, and now that business is down 40% because of boycotting the restaurant, a lot of gay employees have their hours (and wages/tips) cut.
I think you have to take the fight directly to those who would take away our rights.
- Go after the Mormons more directly than a boycott of Utah.
- Seek information about what can be done about their tax-exempt status if they choose to engage in political activity like this.
- Publicize the names of those individuals, groups, and companies that contributed (this is public information).
- Support our gay brothers and sisters in Utah and other states.
- Contact a gay/lesbian group in Salt Lake City to see what they suggest.
- Contact Sundance Film Festival organizers to see if they know of any Constructive protesting that can be done during the festival.
- Find a way to ask people there how they would feel if a bunch of Californians financed a political campaign that only concerned the rights of Utahans.