Letter to the Editor: Chick-Fil-A and UT

Chik-Fil-A and UT

I want to thank Annabella Palopoli and the Minaret for reporting on the donations that the Chik-Fil-A corporation made to anti-equality groups operating here in the U.S. Knowledge is power — and after reading last week’s Minaret, I’m feeling empowered. I am reminded of some famous words spoken by Eleanor Roosevelt that GLTSBA, in years past, had used while tabling in Plant Hall and at freshmen orientation events:

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works.

Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” [Emphasis mine.]

Ms. Palopoli was correct in characterizing the Ruth Institute, Focus on the Family, Exodus International and the others mentioned in the article as working to deny LGBT Americans full equality. What all these groups have in common is an irrational animus toward LGBT folk. They don’t want us to be visible; they don’t want to hear our voices; in fact, they’d prefer we disappear. The Family Research Council, in its own public statements, makes this sad fact evident.

The Family Research Council, according to 2009 IRS filings (the latest available), was a recipient of Chik-Fil-A’s generosity. Here is what Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C., had to say about gay youth being at-risk for suicide: “the most effective way of reducing teen suicide attempts is not to create a “positive social environment” for the affirmation of homosexuality. Instead, it would be to discourage teens from self-identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.” Mr. Sprigg also called for the deportation LGBT residents in the U.S. He proclaimed, “I think there should be a place for criminal sanctions on homosexual behavior.” When asked on television if “gay behavior” (whatever that means) should be outlawed in the U.S., Sprigg replied, “Yes.”

So, Mr. Sprigg, exactly how would having a negative social environment, or no social environment, have helped Tyler Clementi, or Jamey Rodemeyer or other LGBT students who have taken their own lives? How will it help LGBT youth who, according to a recent Columbia University study, are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts? It won’t.

But a “positive social environment” can and will. Our job here at UT is to create that environment, which requires visibility — not just visibility of LGBT students, faculty and administrators, but also of their friends and audible supporters.

Being informed and vigilant is important. The Minaret made me aware of Chik-Fil-A’s financial support for anti-equality groups. Chik-Fil-A won’t be getting any of my money and I will be passing the message on to others.

The groups funded by this fast-food franchise are so public, bald and blatant in their anti-equality statements, it’s easy to know what to do with the information. Unfortunately, many anti-gay sentiments are insidious and coded. Not long ago I was told: “You need to consider being less visible in certain controversial areas.” This was a reference to my advocacy for equality for our LGBT students. In fact, the statement proves that we all need to be more visible, then “It Gets Better” can be a reality and not just a YouTube message of hope.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” said Eleanor Roosevelt. I concur. Don’t consent.

Sincerely,

Gary S. Luter
Professor, Speech and Theatre
Director, Honors Program
Faculty Adviser, GLTSBA (Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, Straight, Bisexual Alliance)