Proudly Getting Your “fil” of Chicks
There has been a flurry of news across the country related to LGBTQ issues. Most of it reflects the preponderance of “anti-” news. But now word is out that a company that was built on being anti-gay/transgender/etc. has hired a vice-president to oversee DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The company has historically given hefty financial support to organizations with a similar outlook. This corporate change looks to set the stage for an important turnaround in sponsorship of LGBTQ events moving forward. Of course, Chick-fil-A (referred to here as CFA) is the restaurant in question.
Before you chill the champagne and get in the drive-through lane at your local CFA anticipating a hot chicken sandwich and cool milkshake, it is imperative that the details be examined much more closely. That’s where the devil is, after all—in the details.
The person who has been appointed VP of DEI is Eric McReynolds. A review of his LinkedIn profile shows that he has been in this role since July 2020. He began the DEI oversight first as an executive director, then as vice-president of DEI. The executive director role was likely the company’s first attempt to devote some time and attention (and some assets) to DEI. The “powers that be” then elevated it to VP status. So this is not a recent development. It does show, however, that this move has flown beneath the radar of the “Watchmen of the Right.”
It is vital to see the actual wording on the CFA website. “Chick-fil-A restaurants have long been recognized as a place where people know they will be treated well. Modeling care for others starts in the restaurant, and we are committed to ensuring mutual respect, understanding and dignity.... These tenets are good business practice and crucial to fulfilling our corporate purpose.”
“When we’re Better at Together, we’re better together” reads the mantra on their website. Their commitment to DEI should result in ensuring equal access, valuing differences, and creating a culture of belonging. But let us hold off just yet on sending them a form for sponsoring a float in the upcoming Pride Parade. This warm and fuzzy verbiage is still missing some key points.
There is NO direct mention of welcoming the LGBTQ community. There is no reference to equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. There is no commitment to disenfranchised persons who are facing incredible discriminatory policies across the country. So what is the best way to proceed?
One must weigh the good against the bad. The good news is that CFA has, over the past few years, ceased making contributions to the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, both of which are known anti-LGBTQ organizations. The bad news is that CFA has yet to make their position definitive one way or the other. Is the vanilla milkshake half-empty or half-full? This is the nagging question that each must answer on their own.
Other good news in this fast-food debacle is that the conservatives now find themselves in a quandry. One of their favorite partners in the “anti-” agenda seems to have found a new business strategy. That leads the conservatives to demand their own boycott of CFA. The outrage on the right is outrageous! Following a Twitter thread on the subject leads to a plethora of folks who are convinced they are the possessors of truth.
The appearance of a corporate turnaround is welcome. Whether or not it is a permanent change resulting in real policies being implemented remains to be seen. Minor victories in these troubled times are small steps forward, nevertheless. This does open the door for ending the LGBTQ boycott of Chick-fil-A. At the very least, many LGBTQ people can now get their chicken fix there without guilt.
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! ▼
David Garrett, a CAMP Rehoboth Board member, is a straight advocate for equality and inclusion. He is also the proud father of an adult trans daughter. Email David Garrett at davidg@camprehoboth.com.