The American Family Assn., which regularly does battle against what it calls the “radical homosexual agenda,” is urging its members to protest Kraft Foods' support for the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.

I just posted an article on this.

Also, the story contains a link to the Kraft website where you can voice support (The AFA has posted the same link.)

This would be one of the groups sending money to the Canadian Conservative Party to defeat the gay marriage bill and defeat the current government. They seem like a real bundle of laughs.

I sent a letter to Kraft. And I love oreos. They would be a good banner ad, and we could order directly from this website. "A dozen bags of Oreos please."

There is also a phone number there to call Kraft and tell them about your support for their Gay Games sponsorship. I did and they were very appreciative.

My uncle (another big Gator) is a Kraft exec in suburban Chicago. He knows that I am coming to town for a triathlon next year but he may not have connected the dots. FWIW, my grandfather was also a Kraft exec. Our family loves our cheese and have the physiques to prove it.

I'll talk to Uncle soon and let him know that sponsorship is a Good Thing.

Gator "Eat More Cheese" Jamie

p.s. Yeah, I know that they have R.J. Reynolds, but we're overlooking that. For now.

Team Rehoboth Beach has launched a fund to help respond to this attack and protect the Gay Games. Your tax deductible donation can be made here. All proceeds will go to the Federation of Gay Games to help protect and perpetuate the Gay Games.

You can donate here:

http://www.teamrehobothbeach.org/fgg.html

[ May 11, 2005, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: rtwilliams ]

Just sent in an email commending Kraft for supporting the Gay Games.....

OK - so sometimes I think I may support some sponsors of gay events a little more than I should. (Case in point - I probably supported Labatt - the offical beer sponsor of the OutGames - a little too much this past weekend). But in view of the flack Kraft is getting from the whacky anti-gay crowd for its Gay Games support, I was more than happy to switch and buy Kraft Peanut Butter last night instead of my regular store brand. (Smoothy of course - it spreads better on toast.) wink

Pat

Hey Pat...did you ever get my PM, to you?

Sorry to go off topic, but back on topic..in 3...2....1....

The anti-gay Illinois Family Institute has joined calls against Kraft and is also targeting five other Illinois companies who are sponsoring the Gay Games. These threats are not to be taken lightly. Here is what the Wall Street Journal wrote about a boycott against P&G for its gay rights support:

"P&G officials won't talk publicly about the boycott," the Journals' Alan Murray wrote. "But privately, they acknowledge the groups turned out to be larger, better funded, better organized and more sophisticated than the company had imagined. And there is little doubt the boycott hit its mark. Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association, says 360,000 families signed petitions to boycott P&G products. Subsequently, P&G's advertising disappeared from gay magazines and Web sites and gay-oriented television shows."

As Suzi Arnold, one of our co-chairs just reminded me, groups like this and the extremists behind them are exactly why the Gay Games movement got started. Thanks for your support everyone.

Kevin Boyer
Gay Games VII

This is great press for the Gay Games. I wish someone would protest Outsports! wink

Be careful what you wish for wink

Hey Jim:
I completely agree with you. Fortunately the forces that are aligned with those trying to create a theocracy down in your country are not yet as well organized nor have as much general support up here. Although we have seen the same American groups that are giving Kraft grief, pouring tons of money, by Canadian standards, into Canada trying to derail our federal Gay Marriage legislation. They realize that if gay marriages continue to move forward and become even more widely accepted than what they have already up here, it makes their task of stopping such progress on the US side of the border much more difficult. More and more reasonable, open minded Americans would soon realize that society does not fall apart with gays being allowed to marry. Fortunately with the court rulings already in support of gay marriage even if the feds can't get a federal law through gay marriages should remain completely legal in the majority of Canada in the 8 provinces and territories where they now are allowed.

This type of pressure on sponsors is one of the reasons why it is so very important for all of us to support those who do support us. We need to get our families and friends to do so as well. We've all come to far to allow a bunch of narrow minded right wing idealogues to set our progress back. For example I will watch with interest when Global television (one of our 3 main English networks here in Canada) presents their Fabulous Gay Wedding series next month. I will be watching to see what progressive mainstream companies are sponsoring that series and I will in turn support those companies whenever I can.

I hope everyone supports those companies who are being progressive and sponsoring the Gay Games by purchasing their products, and encouraging others to do so. Or by at least sending messages of support and thanks to them as can be done with Kraft now directly via the link that is on the Chicago 2006 website.

Pat

[ May 11, 2005, 01:39 PM: Message edited by: Travelpat ]

Hey Pat:
Some Canadian fundies have gotten into the act:
A spokesman for Kraft told outsports.com that the company plans to sponsor the Gay Games despite AFA’s opposition, scheduled for July 15-22, 2006 in Chicago. Kraft is among a contingent of 70 companies sponsoring the event, which runs every four years.

Story

Of course, I wrote that Kraft had no comment but that doesn't stop the distortion.

LOL, GJ! Just one more reason to stock up on Cheez-Whiz in the spray can!

"Is that Velveeta on your feet, huh?"

I am remember leafing through something called the redneck cookbook. Have the recipes involve some product from Kraft. What on earth are these people going to do, are they going to make their Veelveeta Apple Pie Cheese Dip, or oscar meyer bologna and philadelphia cream cheese wraps.

Let me just say..i do customer service for kraft and these losers are getting really annoying. I'm sick of these freaks with their stupid comments. if it werent for those afa websites people wouldn't be bothering us so more. im all for sponsorship and i get so mad when someone says something derogatory. its great to hear from people who are in favor and not all of the rednecks who are going to stop buying kraft. Thanks for the praise calls!! keep them coming

Great post, rabbiteengrl. I figured calling really wouldn't make much difference, since Kraft is obviously committed to sponsoring the Games, but based on your comments I'll definitely do so. Thanks a lot for taking the time to register and post here, it's encouraging to hear from you as well.

Strong work, Rabbiteengrl!

I was just looking over the sponsors list of the Gay Games and OutGames and was rather surprised (and disappointed) at the lack of national "brands." One would expect the usual sponsors of gay events and media (alcohol, travel, clothing, grooming, etc.) and athletic-related companies (shoe brands, sporting goods), but they are in short supply. This makes the Kraft sponsorship even more significant in my mind.

All the major sponsors of the gay games are gay-related, for example PlanetOut, Genre magazine. The non-gay specific are companies like Harris Bank and.... Kraft.

Where are Budweiser, United Airlines, MTV, Sony, Ford, Marriott, Gap, Kodak, Botox, Crest White Strips? Where are Nike, Rollerblades, Schwinn, Bally Fitness? Etc., etc.

Outgames has done well by gov't sponsorship: Canada, Quebec, City of Montreal and Tourism Montreal. They have CBC/Radio-Canada, Labatt's and Air Canada.

But still, one sees more diverse advertising in a local gay newspaper. One would expect a bigger and more diverse roster of sponsors for such large, international events.

Again, I think this makes Kraft's sponsorship even more significant. I'm going to send off an e-mail to them, too.

Canmark...
Have patience my friend. These types of sponsors you are referring to and looking for are in the works and will be coming, they just take a bit more time. Keep taking a peak at the sponsor's page, they'll be coming in the weeks to follow: Sponsors

Also, here is a quote from the Gay Games Marketing Committee:
'We do not believe that the AFA's campaign will alter Kraft's support in any fashion nor do we wish to burden Kraft with more phone calls, taking up their valuable staff time. Kraft has this week reaffirmed their commitment to diversity, their LGBT employees and consumers, and to the sponsorship of the Gay Games. A coordinated response is unnecessary.

However, we do know that many individuals that support the Gay Games, and that more broadly support diversity and inclusion, are eager to show their support for Kraft Foods. One way to show that support is to send Kraft an email message via a link that has been posted on the Gay Games home page at Gay Games If people want to take that step, we welcome positive messages directed toward Kraft.

And, of course, buy Kraft products and support all of our sponsors!'

I'm going to stock upon some Oreos!!

There were wayyy less boycott calls today and lots of praise. It was so nice to hear from the people who are in support of the sponsorship. I can't begin to tell you how angry I get hearing some of the people with their narrow minded views. So thanks to all the people who helped make my day positive.

Thanks again to those who have responded with supportive emails and calls to Kraft. Things are dying down a bit, it would seem, even as the mainstream media starts paying attention.

As the fundies turn their attention from us toward even more vital world issues (like whether Old Navy should advertise on Desparate Housewives), our website hits have started to decline a little bit. Visits tracked to links from extremist sites never climbed much above 7% of our total website traffic the past 3 days, and I only received 2 wacko emails - one using language that Lou Dobson would hardly approve of, and one vowing never to buy a Kraft product again. Oh well. TransparentPat's peanut butter purchase balances that one out.

On the other hand, we've added 3 new sponsors in the past 2 days and received half a dozen "I want to sponsor just to spite them" emails.

And while I'd never be one to officially tease the fundies - I will readily admit that I will enjoy watching their heads spin off their bodies as we make some important announcements in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Kevin

[ May 12, 2005, 03:55 PM: Message edited by: KevinB ]

I wanted to share with you one of the more inspiring emails we've received regarding Kraft and the Gay Games. While this woman doesn't give her age, she notes she was a nurse in World War II which makes her likely 80 to 85 years old. She had first written to seek confirmation that Kraft was sponsoring the Gay Games.

"Dear Sir: I didn't see the name Kraft, anywhere but you said [they] are "proud sponsers" and that is good enough for me. I really feel good about you wanting to make the world a better place to live for ALL of us. You would think that the "Radical Right" so called "Christians" would view that as THEIR primary job and not making their number 1 Agenda -JUDGING GAYS-.

"I have heard they are giving you a hard time along with threats to boycott you. Just remember that the honosexuals have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers, grandfathers and scads of friends. If you'd get a mathematician to check it out, I think you would find it about 60% of the population, give or take a few. Threats don't work out very well. If we let everyone get away with everything, we will have Nazi Germany all over again.

"I was a Cadet Nurse in the WW11 (we took the Military Nurses place at here at home while they were gone) and I do remember it. They were real mean to the Gays. They were used for experiments, also, the gypsyies and the specially challenged people. I do not want to see that ever, again. You Folks are making sure, also, that we are educating our population ridding us of ignorance that has prevailed for so long.

"When my husband got out of the service, we went to MSU [Michigan State University] for 6 yrs and had our 3 children at the same time, and guess what? I don't think we would of made it if it hadn't been for KRAFT CHEESE and macaroni. It was one of our staples. Before that - the same in my Student Nursing days - one of our staples at both Nursing School and College was cheese and macaroni (and it had to be Kraft, I just can't prove that one). Anyhow, we have a Gay person in our family and this person has been "Teacher of the Year" both in a school district in 1997 and in a whole county in 2003. I'd say you folks are right on. Thank you so much. Sincerely, RH (California)."

She made my day :-)

Kevin Boyer
Gay Games VII

Let's be honest, a threat to Kraft's revenue, it's ability to make money, the possible loss of income for american families (some of which may be part of the family association) should be viewed as an act of terrorism.

They are attempting to use fear to force another to view the world their way... let's liberate their followers and destroy the association.

Oh and I loved the email fom the WWII Nurse, she is so switched on, I think she should be on the board of every major corporation in the world.

What a great, intelligent and inspiring letter from the WW2 nurse. I think Kraft should invite her to be their special guest at Wrigley Field closing ceremonies. I could see her throwing out the 'opening pitch'. :-)

This entire Kraft thing prompted me to have Kraft Mac & Cheese for lunch today. Went out during my lunch hour and got a box at Walgreen's (another Gay Games sponsor). Mmmmm.

Please call Kraft and thank them for their support of the Gay Games in Chicago in 2006

I called and they were very happy to hear a supportive voice..so please call.

Their toll-free number is 1-800-323-0768

CALL NOW! Thanks!!!(and tell your friends to do the same)

..found this Blog Site, some of these are flat out funny, although you have to ignore the idiots.
:-)

Let's here it for GAY CHEESE...woo hoo!

I sent Kraft the following email VIA THE MILLIONMOM'S HATEFUL WEBSITE. I'm not sure if it increased their official count of anti-gay emails by one, but it would be good if the following email, composed by myself, got through to someone:

Subject: Smart supporting the Gay Games
message:
Dear CEO Deromedi,

Hello there. I was delighted to learn from OneMillionMoms.com that Kraft is a major corporate sponsor of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. What a hateful website. They don't even realize we can't use the word "Olympics" in our event because the USOC now apparently owns it and wouldn't want us gay folks "hijacking" it to describe a major sports event. These "millionmoms" really need to stop causing trouble for other people and focus on their own "families," and keep away from mine. I know my mom would have nothing to do with them. They really should learn that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. But thank you for supporting the Gay Games.

Your response to my concerns will have no impact on me making future purchases of your products because, unless you completely grow your own food, it is nearly impossible to avoid buying Kraft. However, I'm thrilled to have found one of the most hatful websites out there and to send you a positive email supporting your efforts via it. So thanks for supporting an $80 million dollar event where you will likely win loyal customers for years. Just look at Subaru and Volvo. We're all driving their cars.

I, personally have participated in the Gay Games and have actually won gold in my sport, which is rowing. It was great to be around other athletes who, like me, have experienced hatred against them for being gay and not have to worry about some shouting anti-gay comments like "hey queer" and "faggot." Or worse, risk bodily injury.

It troubles me to know that no matter where I go in life, some religious nut is going shove their hatred in my face and try to make me stay in the closet talking about "family values" this and that and threatening all kinds of scary legislation and evil tactics to make me disappear. And what for? They are trying to destroy my family when I've done nothing to them. I don't hurt their kind, but they hurt mine. So thanks for being realistic and sponsoring an event where lesbian, gay, and transgender people get a moment to feel like equals because we are, even though we don't yet have the same rights as heterosexuals.


Best regards,
Ben

Kraft sent a strong e-mail to its employees reiterating its support.

Thanks for posting the e-mail sent to Kraft employees from Kraft itself. It shows the company has backbone, not to mention the heart and mind to support diversity. Some talk the talk, but Kraft walks the walk.

From today's Chicago Sun-Times columnist, Neil Steinberg (straight guy who's very very gay friendly):

"Act Up, Buy Velveeta

"Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is great. My boys love it; they prefer Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to homemade. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is inexpensive, and easy to prepare, and I admit that I slyly withhold a few tablespoons in the pot when I'm doling out lunchtime bowlfuls so I can savor a bit of its warm cheesy goodness myself. I believe you should buy lots of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

"Normally, I'd keep that burst of enthusiasm to myself. But I read that the usual gang of faith-based hate groups are pressuring Kraft because of its sponsorship of Chicago's 200[6] Gay Games -- perhaps acting under the notion that gays participating in athletic events somehow ruin the idea of sport, the way they wreck marriage. The groups are threatening a boycott.

"That's their right. But what is the opposite of a boycott? A buyup? Seeing how Kraft, in a rare show of corporate courage, is standing up to these bullies and sticking with their sponsorship, I suggest those who agree with Kraft have a duty to show our approval by buying Kraft products. The Gay Pride Parade is just around the corner, and I would suggest that those holding parties whip up a batch of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese -- it really is good, sort of. Or set out a brick of Velveeta, in silent tribute. You don't have to eat it."

Ok, so the proud bf I am...check out Kevin B being interviewed by CBS yesterday, re: the Kraft boycott:

Click here

Look for Gay Games sponsorship topic.

Kevin has been giving quite a few media interviews on this topic lately.

handsome bf!

There's always one spoil-sport in the crowd. This letter is running in this week's SF Bay Times newspaper. I'd sure like to know where the author got his stats from on gay AIDS deaths v. gay deaths from cigs.
^^^

The Biggest Killer of Queer Men and Women
Published: May 26, 2005

The right-wing American Family Association is protesting a gift by tobacco-affiliate Kraft Foods to the Chicago gay games. I received emails this week urging me to call Kraft to thank them for supporting the community. I did not.

Instead, I contacted the organizers of the games, urging them to return the blood money. Believe it or not, tobacco kills more queer men each year than AIDS and far more queer women than breast cancer. Smoking is therefore a queer issue. When our community groups refuse to accept tobacco money, it isolates a rogue industry and promotes the health of the community.

While we need to be vigilant in fighting homophobia, it shouldn’t be our only issue of concern. As our community matures, we need nuanced responses to these kinds of attacks. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities to rally behind corporate donors who don’t push a product that kills half of its long-time customers.

The gay games ought to be a celebration of healthy living, the antithesis of what the tobacco industry stands for. If you agree, please contact Brian McGuinness, the E.D. of the Chicago gay games, at 773-433-8007 or info@gaygameschicago.org and urge him to return the money.

Naphtali Offen
San Francisco

LOL - the AFA will have NO products left to buy or support, they want to boycott EVERYONE!

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/05/053105ford.htm

Well since they are boycotting everything, with dubious success, that just leaves more for us and the so called "pink economy".Wonder if companies will offer us "gay discounts" or special local deals for buying during Pride Days?

According to the MSNBC article (linked on another thread), the AFA has been at odds with: "Crest toothpaste, Volkswagen, Tide detergent, Clorox bleach, Pampers, MTV, Abercrombie & Fitch, K-Mart, Burger King, American Airlines and S.C. Johnson & Son, makers of Windex, Ziploc, Pledge, Glade and Edge."

Some of their present targets:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by canmark:
[qb] According to the MSNBC article (linked on another thread), the AFA has been at odds with: "Crest toothpaste, Volkswagen, Tide detergent, Clorox bleach, Pampers, MTV, Abercrombie & Fitch, K-Mart, Burger King, American Airlines and S.C. Johnson & Son, makers of Windex, Ziploc, Pledge, Glade and Edge."

.
]Wow, that just made me laugh. I guess there just telling everyone to stop shopping, I can just see them carrying the list of boycott du jour around and trying to figure out what they can and can't buy. Honey, can we buy oscar myer?

[ June 01, 2005, 08:57 PM: Message edited by: Thom ]

Hey - don't forget that Kraft owns the Post cereal brands, also! Mmmm Post Raisin Bran! Oh and Athenos brand hummus.

Oh - and Shake 'n Bake, and Grey Poupon, and Chips Ahoy!

It's not all about cheese and meat byproducts.

Full list at http://www.kraft.com/brands/

[ June 06, 2005, 05:00 PM: Message edited by: KevinB ]

Now, the AFA is using images to promote its attacks.

In another thread, Miller Beach posted this:

I got this in my company e-mail...some idiot is trolling for air time. This is simply unbelieveable. I would wish for everyone to call the contact number and tell them how many days of work gays really miss. This is highly insulting, so read with caution....

CONTACT: To schedule an interview, call: Special Guests/ 630-848-0750.

KRAFT'S "KRAZY" SPONSORSHIP OF GAY GAMES

Kraft foods is sponsoring the Gay Games. Why, when the national sexuality survey by the CDC shows gays miss work almost twice as frequently as non-gays? Why is Kraft encouraging a lifestyle that produces less productive employees?

Conducting talk show interviews on this touchy topic is Dr. Cameron, Chairman of the Family Research Institute who headed the three-man team that published the heretofore unpublished CDC findings.

Said Dr. Cameron, "You've got to wonder whether Kraft is serving its shareholders. A major problem in American business is employee absenteeism. And here Kraft is spending money to support a lifestyle that makes absenteeism worse. Kraft shareholders ought to demand a change."

In replying to those critical of Kraft's decision, Marc Firestone, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Kraft Foods Inc., said At Kraft we truly respect all kinds of differences. And diversity is not a selective concept. By definition, it's nothing if not inclusive. We respect diversity of ethnicity, gender, experience, background, personal style and yes, sexual orientation and gender identity. Recognizing, respecting and valuing these differences helps us be a more successful business and a workplace where all employees can realize their full potential."

Kraft owns Maxwell House, Post, Oscar Mayer and Nabisco brands, which account for almost 75% of the company's revenues The CDC study revealed that while the proportion of homosexuals working full-time was about the same as non-homosexuals, the work attendance of homosexuals was poorer. In any 30-day period, 34% of homosexuals, as opposed to 19% of non-homosexuals, missed at least one day of work. This tendency to miss work showed up among homosexuals of both sexes - 32% of homosexual men as opposed to 17% of non-homosexual men, and 36% of lesbians, as opposed to 22% of non-homosexual women.

Complete analysis of the CDC national sexuality survey appears in the June issue of the peer-reviewed scientific journal Psychological Reports.

I haven't seen Chris Geary's site in a while, but what he's showing and what the AFA is using in it's propaganda are images of parties, not competition. I'm sure that any good photographer during any big sporting event, the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, could go to a sports bar or some other venue dispensing alcohol to pretty young things and find people pulling up their shirts, revealing their chests/breasts, touching one another. The focus of the AFA is off course, of course, just trying to be scandalous and thereby being typically bigoted.

Good Lord! It's from a freaking party. I do hope Chris Geary sues the AFA for illegal use of his pics.

This group is so desperate! There's worse stuff than that on tv. I too hope Mr. Geary takes legal action.

I wonder if Jesus looked that hot in a jockstrap I don't remeber if there's a jockstrap or Speedo in the wardrobe options. Perhaps you might contact Bob and put in a request for more sporting attire. Do you think Jesus would have gone for a nipple piercing knowing he was going to get nailed? Prince Albert? Ah, questions regarding my faith.

Someone should photoshop these guys faces on some of their offensive images. Hack their sites or create a similar site to display their images.
Here is a brilliant example.

A little creativity and you can get on their mailing list and send YOUR propaganda to the impressionable sheep and start a "jesus jock" cult.

Lest you think only the crazies are writing on this topic, check out yesterday's Chicago Tribune's Editorial:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion...1,2882264.story

You'll have to register to read the editorial, but it's worth it. The Chicago Tribune's pretty strict about its copyrighted content appearing elsewhere, or I'd post the text, but some pertinent quoted text:

"So let's call this campaign by the American Family Association and Illinois Family Institute what it is: Pure intolerance, an intolerance that most Americans reject."

"If these groups were looking for a gay event to protest, they couldn't have picked a more inoffensive one. The games are a weeklong amateur athletic contest with about 12,000 participants from 70 countries. The games are open to anyone--including straights, old and young, mothers and daughters. Pay your fee, jump in the pool and swim your heart out, no matter who you are."

" The kind of intolerance practiced by the AFA and IFI is, happily, fading in America."

" America has become a more tolerant place at work ... and at play.

The Gay Games open in 13 months."

Kevin Boyer

I think Chris Geary should thank the AFA. Just think of all the "curious" AFA-types who will get to "discover" that website. wink