The Human Rights Campaign and Showtime have partnered on "Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" to provide support and help preserve businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community.
Due to the crippling COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the country have either closed temporarily or shuttered permanently to help mitigate the spread of the virus. LGBTQ+ businesses in particular suffered greatly due to canceled Pride festivities during the month of June and beyond. "Queer to Stay" seeks to help support a number of those businesses by donating funds, per today's announcement, though specific dollar amounts were not revealed.
"We know that businesses like bars, restaurants and coffee shops often serve as affirming and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people – including young people who may not have supportive families or communities at home," said HRC president Alphonso David.
Added Showtime Networks chief marketing officer Michael Engleman: "We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with HRC this year by bringing aid to beloved and crucial LGBTQ+ locations. Showtime has a history of telling diverse, complicated, authentic stories – with a marked emphasis on LGBTQ+ creators, characters and storylines.
Sounds like gay men are getting the shaft.
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