Corporations who financially support anti-LGBTQ+ figures

Jun 29, 2022

It’s that time of the year, folks: The time when corporations don their rainbows to pander to a demographic of individuals who are still fighting for equal rights or even the right to exist without it being a felony.

Now, as a consumer, I don’t want to be too critical of the corporations that make our world go ‘round, but I have always been a huge fan of accountability and calling “BS” when I smell it.

So without further adieu, let’s look at some corporations who plaster up the rainbow for one month and then donate money to political parties or candidates who ravage LGBTQIA+ rights.

Let’s take a very openly Anti-LGBTQIA+ candidate that’s local to us for example, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). In 2013 he voted against The Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

In 2010, on his campaign website, he had stated, “I’m a pretty traditional guy. I believe in a culture of life and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman.”

And as recently as March this year, Johnson stated, “You shouldn’t allow biological males to compete against girls. I mean, it’s just disheartening to the girls. … We shouldn’t allow biological males to be going into women’s bathrooms. It’s creepy. It’s just not good.”

So, to no one’s surprise we can add transphobia to the list as well.

Now to see all the corporations who rock the rainbow for one month out of the year who endorsed him (for more information, click here).

AT&T – $17,500
– In June of 2021, they had a rainbow frame around their Facebook profile image.
– In June of 2020, they had a banner stating “we stand for equality” with rainbow letters.
– In June of 2017, they had a banner promoting an event called “AT&T Live Proud” with a rainbow logo, and saying “We are Bold”

Exxon Mobil – $14,000
– In June of 2022, they have a rainbowed pride banner on Facebook with what would be assumed LGBTQIA+ individuals unless perhaps they just have an affinity for rainbows in June.

General Electric (GE) – $13,000
– In June of 2015, they had a rainbow GE Logo.

Verizon – $13,000
– On June 10, they posted a video on Facebook sharing a partnership with Encircle a place that helps and supports LGBTQIA+ Youth.
– On June 1, 2022 they posted a video stating “Love connects us all” for pride month with yet again, another rainbow logo.
– In June of 2021, they had a rainbow Verizon logo.
– In June of 2019, they had a rainbow Verizon logo.
– In June of 2018, they had a rainbow Verizon logo

Wells Fargo – $12,000
– In June 2022 they have a banner photo stating “30 years of Pride” with a pinwheel of the pride flag colors.
– In June 2020 they posted a rainbow banner image for pride
– In June 2017 they posted a banner image stating “Standing together 30 years strong”

Didn’t they say that this year? If they’re that bad at math I don’t think I want to trust them with my finances.

Pitney Bowes – $10,000
This month they have a rainbow logo as well as a Facebook post stating “Pitney Bowes celebration of Pride Month is beautifully captured in this year’s theme: Together with Pride & Purpose. We strive to create a supportive space where everyone can identify and express themselves proudly. After all, diversity and inclusion not only make us stronger, they unite us in a positive purpose.”

You get the idea. These corporations I just listed rock that rainbow but then donate to candidates who are very much against the LGBTQIA+ community and their rights. Unless we do some digging, we’d never know.

Mind you, this is just one candidate and just a small handful of the seemingly never-ending list of corporations. I scrolled through recognizing brands we all use or consume like Experian ($10,000), General Motors ($10,000), Taco Bell ($13,000) and many more for just one candidate.

Looking at a broad perspective we can take individual corporations so this doesn’t drag on too much and analyze them.

CVS, where I go to get my HRT prescriptions filled, donated $51,765 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. CVS also donated $44,680 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, and $27,150 to the Republican National Committee. In 2020 they donated $192,711 to Donald Trump, and in the same cycle $467,790 to Joe Biden.

Folks, if I didn’t know any different, I’d say we’re being played.

UPS donated $486,775 to Donald Trump in 2020 and $286,173 to Joe Biden, as well as $67,922 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, $26,751 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, and $48,691 to the Republican National Committee.

Walmart donated $185,287 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, $134,444 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, and $119,147 to the Republican National Committee. In the 2020 presidential race, they donated $579,851 to Donald Trump and $426,092 to Joe Biden.

You can use both Open Secrets and Follow The Money much like I did to find who donated to who and how much. Happy Pride. Shop local and shop small.