Chick-fil-A change from within

When tolerance is exercised only out of convenience, is it still tolerance?

Chick-fil-A’s CEO Dan Cathy espouses things with which I vehemently disagree. CFA, through its charitable arm, the WinShape Foundation, donates to foundations opposing the ideals, values and goals I strive for and strongly support.

That said, what now of those stuck in the middle? Chick-fil-A Arden Fair, like many of the CFA stores, is a franchise, and this franchise is a member of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, an LGBT business organization. August 1 was a day designated by some on the other end of the political spectrum to show support for Cathy and his polarizing statements about gay marriage.

It appears the line was drawn leading up to that day. While some stood hours waiting to purchase food at a nearby CFA, others protested and boycotted. As an advocate for our chamber members, what would happen if I patronized the one regional CFA franchise that is a member of our organization?

I believe franchisees who are supportive of the LGBT community can impact CFA corporate through their dialogue much more than those of us who are shouting from the outside. By standing with a chamber-member business, will it demonstrate to that business and others the importance of tolerance? I hope so.

By standing in line next to those who believe my civil rights are not as important as their religious beliefs, will they see that real people are affected when they impose their values onto others? I hope so.

If one more person understands that love is love—regardless of who loves whom—then this was all worth it.

Frankly, it would have been much more convenient for me to sit on the sidelines and watch all of this unfold or to be another person shouting to deaf ears. However, I felt compelled to advocate for LGBT rights and marriage equality by being an example of support for those who support us.