I Know Starbucks is Not an Anti-Gay, Homophobic Company (by Policy)…. BUT…

[Ian David]

I Know Starbucks is Not an Anti-Gay, Homophobic Company (by Policy)…. BUT…
Jun 13
Posted by lilfamilyblog


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Yesterday when I walked into your Centereach, Long Island location I saw one of the most brazen and unapologetic displays of homophobia I have ever witnessed in my entire life. What was most concerning about it was it was perpetuated by not one, not two but THREE of your employees and it was directed towards a fourth employee. I don’t know this man, but I know his name is Jeffrey because the woman (who seemed to be in charge of this circus) loudly scolded, spoke to in a condescending manner, humiliated, and then let go. In the middle of your store. Two feet away from my table. Then when Jeffrey, who was visibly shaken went to the bathroom to collect him self, the women at the table went on a long, ranting homophobic rant that lasted about five minutes. This rant transpired two feet away from my table where I sat with my daughter. A three year old child, with two mothers. I have never, in my entire life seem such a gross and unapologetic display of ignorance and intolerance. The most horrific aspect of it was that it was by someone that your corporation put into a position of power. I have never, ever in ANY context seen ANYTHING so unprofessional in my entire life. I was horrified that my daughter was exposed to that.

The whole incident spanned about 15-20 minuets. It looked like it was a sit down discussion about something that had happened in the store, an earlier problem. What that was, I couldn’t be certain. I do know however, the fact that Jeffery’s sexuality was brought into the conversation (and it obviously was for me to know about it) is inappropriate. The woman (Who I will refer to going forward as the “Manager” although she may have been someone from Human Resources) spoke to him in a sharp condescending manner. She told him that they were not interested in his politics or beliefs and his thoughts were down right offensive to his co-workers. They did not want to hear about his personal life. When Jeffrey pointed out that they ALL talked about their personal lives (during the course of the conversation I learned that the manager had a daughter that went to tennis camp and another one of the women had a birthday coming up so the irony and the hypocrisy of that statement was mind blowing.) That his beliefs were not welcome at Starbucks. She went on, an on and on talking about leadership building workshops where she learned to “Keep it to herself” (again I will remind you of tennis camp). She was even so condescending to tell him,

“It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but ten years from now you will thank me for this…”

For what? For for letting him go for speaking about his personal life? For learning to put up with bigotry in the work place?

More:
http://lilfamilyblog.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/i-know-starbucks-is-not-an-anti-gay-homophobic-company-by-policy-but/

[w8liftinglady]

1. OMG. I feel for jeffrey. Your daughter is lucky to have YOU as the parent

This type of overt hostility can not be tolerated. good for you for speaking out.

[Ian David]

2. That's not written by me. It's posted from somewhere else. n/t

[Ian David]

3. Starbucks Responds To Alleged Attack On Gay Worker

Starbucks Responds To Alleged Attack On Gay Worker

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The story has spread online, with customers leaving angry comments on Starbucks Facebook wall. It even got back to the original employee from the story.

He told KIROTV he was grateful for his story getting out there and for the support strangers were showing him, writing that the original blog's author, "consoled me outside of the Starbucks... just as she described. I walked away from her not knowing who she was or if I would ever see her again. Approximately 24 hours went by when a friend of mine forwarded a link to me on Facebook to say a blog had been posted about me. I read the letter and after reading all the facts came to realize the reason I was no longer welcome for employment at Starbucks."

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In response to the blog post, Starbucks said, "We are disheartened by the allegations reported in an East Coast Starbucks store and are taking immediate measures to investigate and take any steps necessary to make this right. The actions reported do not correspond with our values, who we are as a company or the beliefs we try to instill in our partners."

Without knowing more about the exact substance of the comments the employee allegedly made to his other workers that made them uncomfortable, it's hard to pass decisive judgement. But at least from a social media/PR crisis control perspective, the story certainly isn't a good way for Starbucks to start Gay Pride month.

More:
http://consumerist.com/2011/06/starbucks-responds-to-alleged-attack-on-gay-worker.html