Tempest in a tea pot
The AFA—American Family Association, a Mississippi based anti-gay group—has called off its nine year boycott of Disney.
Theorectically, it is because of "'positive signs' that the company had moved away from its 'arrogance' and 'embrace of the homosexual lifestyle.'" This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of Gay Day at Disney World. Oops. A little backsliding on Disney's part? While not an official Disney sponsored event, for 15 years Disney has welcomed the thousands of red shirted homos to its park and allowed organizers to use its venues for parties.
Because their boycott of Disney was so successful—Disney earnings and theme park attendance has risen in recent years—the AFA has now turned its attention to Kraft foods for being a sponsor of the Gay Games in Chicago next year. While not an "official" boycott, the AFA is urging its members to call Kraft and express their displeasure that their dollars are being used to promote a "lifestyle" of which they do not approve. As far as I can tell, no one cares. I'm used to getting emails saying, "Such a so a whack job organization is organzing an email campaign agaist some gay friendly corporation. We need to do the same expressing our support for this company." The Federation of Gay Games says Kraft is behind them 100% and does not fear their withdrawl from the games. They also noted that an organized GLBT response is unnecessary, but would be nice any way.
I suppose if the AFA wants to waste its money on useless boycotts and anti-gay campaigns, that is their right. Mabye if they raise a few million more—'cause apparently 11 million isn't enough—someone might actually care.