Seattle pushes for gay rights
Aug 24, 2010, 2:27 AM | Updated: Mar 28, 2011, 3:46 pm
Retailer Target has been the target of a growing boycott following its support of a conservative candidate in Minnesota. An anti-Target video that’s gone viral was shot in West Seattle, and yesterday a gay rights campaign brought its cameras to a downtown Seattle hotel to solicit support from local celebrities and anyone else who supports a “no hate” message.
Problems for Target, based in Minnesota, started last month after the company donated $150,000 to a group that is running ads supporting conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. He opposes same-sex marriage.
Target’s CEO Gregg Steinhafel has said the company supports Emmer because of his positions creating a positive environment for business in the state. His views on social issues aren’t the company’s concern. Steinhafel has also said, “Target’s support of the GLBT community is unwavering, and inclusiveness remains a core value of our company.”
Gays and lesbians aren’t buying his explaination for the donation. This musical protest video “Target Ain’t People” was shot at the West Seattle Target store.
Another campaign supporting gay rights brought its cameras to the W hotel in downtown Seattle for a photo shoot in support of gay marriage.
In November of 2008, Proposition 8 passed in California. The measure added a new provision to that state’s constitution, which provides that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8.
Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world. In some cases “NOH8” is painted on one cheek in protest. The campaign has added over 6,300 faces to the effort, including dozens photographed in Seattle late yesterday.
