Martina Navratilova is suing the sponsor of a credit card directly marketed to gays and lesbians, saying it uses her name and likeness after her request last month to stop.

Navratilova is seeking at least $75,000 in damages from Do Tell, Inc., which offers the Rainbow Card. The card helps fund the nonprofit Rainbow Coalition, which promotes the health and social well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Do Tell had used Navratilova to market the card since 1995 with the tennis star's permission, said the suit, filed Monday. But in late 2004, Navratilova came at odds with the card's marketing, which she called "inappropriate and repugnant."

The Link:
[url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/tennis/03/09/navratilova.lawsuit.ap/index.html?cnn=yes"]
Sports Illustrated[/url]

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Any idea what Martina means by "inappropriate and repugnant"? I have a Rainbow Card and was just wondering...

[ March 10, 2005, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: Di ]

I also have a rainbow card, the only reason I have it is specifically for it's gay aspect. If there's a problem I'd like to know

Say it ain't so!! :mad:

According to court papers, the dispute grew heated in recent months when Navratilova objected to the Rainbow Card being associated with the cable television soap operas "The L Word" and "Queer as Folk" on the Showtime channel.

In January, Navratilova allegedly told the top officers of Do Tell Inc. that she no longer approved of any association between the Rainbow Card and the Showtime programs. According to the defense answer, filed last week, Navratilova called the shows "depraved" and said she believes "The L Word" falsely represents lesbians.

Link

Big talk from someone who changes girlfriends like people change socks.

I don't know which side is telling the truth, or if there's perhaps some truth in both their arguments, but any way you slice it this is very disappointing.

Maybe I'm a touch cynical, but what is the point of a credit card marketed to lesbians and gays? Sounds like some credit card company trying to make money off people's sexuality to me.

The only reason I got the Rainbow Card, and started using it more than other cards is because part of all purchases go to a Rainbow Endowment:

Mission: The Rainbow Endowment is committed to promoting the health and social well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Funds dispersed by the Endowment are derived from the use of the Rainbow Card and through its Proud Founding Sponsor, Subaru of America. Founded in 1995, the Endowment is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

If you are a Rainbow Card member, please know how your simple act of "charging it" benefits our community's interests throughout the nation.The following organizations were most recently awarded grants: American Civil Liberties Foundation's "Every Student, Every School" initiative; Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network in support of their work to stop harassment of students and empower educators to keep all students safe; Human Rights Campaign in support of FamilyNet, a web based resource; Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund to advocate for gay youth in foster care and schools, and the Latino Outreach Project; Equality Forum to produce JIM IN BOLD, a documentary about gay youth and teen suicide; Service Members Legal Defense Network to develop a new legal database to enhance their overall watchdog effort.

Sure, like all credit card companies, the Rainbow credit card company is making money by advertising specifically to gay/lesbian consumers but at least our community gets something back when we spend $$!

Oh My God, GatorJamie I just adore you! That's the best laugh I've had in a while. It's funny 'cuz it's true ...