GAP & LEVI STRAUS Issues Statement Against "License To Discriminate" Laws

The CEOs of GAP and LEVI STRAUS posted this joint statement last night on the GAP blog page opposing passage of legislation in states like Indiana and Arkansas that can legalize LGBT discrimination:

Today Gap Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co. are calling on retail and apparel companies, and other businesses, to join us in speaking out against legalized discrimination.

Both of our companies have a long history of standing up for equal rights and equal opportunity for all. We have consistently spoken out against discrimination and unequal treatment based on race, sex or sexual orientation.

As Indiana, Arkansas, and states around the country enact and consider legislation that perpetuates discrimination, we’re urging State Legislatures to stand up for equality by repealing and voting against these discriminatory laws.

These new laws and legislation, that allow people and businesses to deny service to people based on their sexual orientation, turn back the clock on equality and foster a culture of intolerance.

Discriminatory laws are unquestionably bad for business, but more importantly, they are fundamentally wrong. They must be stopped.

At Gap Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co., we are proud to say we are open to business for everyone.

Tony Award-winners Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter featured in annual GAP campaign

Tony Award-winner for Broadway's Kinky Boots and Out100 honoree, Billy Porter, is featured with fellow Tony Award-winner Cyndi Lauper in Gap's annual "Make Love" campaign, which features of a diverse cast of characters and familiar faces spreading love and acceptance.

“I think the joy and the pleasure of Kinky Boots is that it transcends sexuality, it transcends stereotypes, and it transcends fear, which I think motivates a lot of the bigotry and homophobia that exists in the world. It’s nice to reach people at a human level,” Porter said in an interview with Out. 

The annual campaign has featured several "out" celebrities over the years.

(source)

GAP under attack by One Million Moms for billboard featuring handsome men

One Million Moms - an offshoot group of the conservative American Family Association that actually is only 40,000 - is all mad about a GAP billboard in Los Angeles  featuring a gay couple.

Writes the group:

Speaking of companies who are choosing to be politically correct instead of focusing on selling clothes; GAP is also guilty. In Los Angeles, CA, GAP has a billboard located downtown that reads: "GAP- BE BRIGHT- BE ONE" with two homosexual men pressed together under a shared t-shirt. They are hugging each other and facing the camera cheek-to-cheek. "BE ONE" is in large letters which emphasizes the same-sex relationship.

GAP Inc. Brands, including Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime, and Athleta, does not deserve, nor will it get, money from conservative families across the country. Supporting GAP is not an option until they decide to remain neutral in the culture war. GAP needs to seriously consider how their immoral advertising affect the youth of our nation.

Christians should urge for the removal of GAP's offensive billboard in Los Angeles and any other city where it is located. GAP will also need to cancel any plans to use the "Be One" ad campaign elsewhere including store-front posters, its website, and in print magazine ads.

(source)

"Be one.  Be bright."  An ad that promotes unity is being criticized. 

SRSLY. 

Gap leans forward

Today, Towleroad pointed out that Gap has jumped on the "attractive male duo" bandwagon with a billboard starring two handsome young men (caught via Twitter by Chris Votaw, or @votaw).

Earlier this week, the New York Times profiled Gap, Inc., noting that after a handful of tumultous, lethargic years, the brand is looking to recapture the sense of understated-cool that they originally heralded in the 90s.

In the 90s Gap was my store of choice.  For several seasons, Gap's "collections" of comfortable clothes perfectly suited my personality at the time.  I'd love to see them return to the cost-conscious but quality fashion focus they have shown in the past.

I, personally, appreciate the effort by Gap to make such a public endorsement of support to the LGBTQ community.

I've actually been meaning to drop by Gap for a little shop-shop anyway.  Now I have even more reason to go.

Next up, expect the advocacy group One Million Moms to start their boycott in 3...2...1...