Larry Kramer On Stonewall Boycott

"Don't listen to the crazies. For some reason there is a group of 'activists' that insists on maintaining their prime importance and participation during this riot. Unfortunately there seems no one left alive to say 'it wasn't that way at all,' or 'who are or where the fuck were you.' As with so much history there is no way to 'prove' a lot of stuff, which allows artists such as yourself (and me I might add) to take essences and attempt to find and convey meaning and truth. I sincerely hope this boycott your film shit peters out. We are not dealing with another 'Cruising' here. Keeping your film from being seen is only hurting ourselves. Good luck and thank you for your passion." - Larry Kramer, responding to the Facebook page of Stonewall director Roland Emmerich.

PETITION: Boycott Stonewall Movie

Variety reports:

"A historically accurate film about the Stonewall Riots would center the stories of queer and gender-noncomforming people of color like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson," a MoveOn petition reads. "Not relegate them to background characters in the service of a white cis-male fictional protagonist." The trailer for Roland Emmerich's film about the 1969 Stonewall riots just debuted online on Tuesday, but it's already sparked controversy among the LGBT community for its portrayal of the start of the gay-rights movement. The preview presents a white man as the centerpiece of the movie, showing a character named Danny (Jeremy Irvine) arriving in New York City, where he meets the gay community on Christopher Street and is radicalized by his experiences with them at the Stonewall Inn. A MoveOn petition aimed at director Roland Emmerich, himself openly gay, urges those who sign it to boycott the movie "for erasing the contributions of of-color queer and gender non-comforming activists."

So far the petition has over 14,000 signatures.

UPDATE: Director Roland Emmerich has responded on Facebook:

When I first learned about the Stonewall Riots through my work with the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, I was struck that the circumstances that lead to LGBT youth homelessness today are pretty much the same as they were 45 years ago. The courageous actions of everyone who fought against injustice in 1969 inspired me to tell a compelling, fictionalized drama of those days centering on homeless LGBT youth, specifically a young midwestern gay man who is kicked out of his home for his sexuality and comes to New York, befriending the people who are actively involved in the events leading up to the riots and the riots themselves. I understand that following the release of our trailer there have been initial concerns about how this character’s involvement is portrayed, but when this film - which is truly a labor of love for me - finally comes to theaters, audiences will see that it deeply honors the real-life activists who were there — including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Ray Castro — and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement which continues to this day. We are all the same in our struggle for acceptance.

Anti-Gay Group Vows To Boycott Major Retailer Over LGBT Rights Support

Since there are already at least a dozen "major" boycotts underway for the same reason, we're not sure why this is supposed to be news.

Pastor Bill Owens of the Coalition of African-American Pastors met with the delegation in Dallas and says religious rights of Christians have been harmed by the Supreme Court decision and will continue to be in the future. Owens tells OneNewsNow the reason is the Church was not an effective force in the battle for biblical marriage. "We're going to pick a major store chain to boycott. We've already picked the boycott," he explains. "We're not announcing which one yet, but we'll boycott one day all over the country and let them know that they cannot talk out of both ends of their mouths by supporting everything the gay community does."

I'm guessing Walmart, but who knows?

Circuit Party Leaves Fire Island Pines, Joins Boycott Of Manhattan Hoteliers

Edge Media reports:

The drama in Fire Island Pines now officially spans two continents. The Ascension Party, a staple of the circuit scene for nine years, is packing up and leaving Fire Island Pines and traveling to Mykonos this August, citing the recent boycott against OUTpost Fire Island Pines properties as the impetus for the move. The announcement marks the second time the Ascension Party has changed dates and venues for its 2015 edition. Prior to the move to Mykonos, Ascension's producers announced that the party, long held in the middle of August, would be moved to Labor Day weekend. The move angered fans of the party, many of whom arranged for their house share weekends to coincide with the original date.

Although there was immediate speculation surrounding the motivation behind the move to Mykonos, suspicions were put to rest Friday morning when Ascension's producer, Eric Von Kuersteiner announced his reasons for moving the party via post on the closed Facebook group "Free" Fire Island Pines. In the post, Von Kuersteiner cites the recent boycott of the OUTpost Fire Island Pines properties that arose when one of its partners, Ian Reisner, co-hosted an ersatz fund raising party for anti-gay GOP hopeful Ted Cruz at his Manhattan home in June. "I thought that the Boycott would have convinced Ian (Reisner) to do the right thing and sell (he's had offers since I withdrew mine) unfortunately however he has not," Von Kuersteiner wrote, previously citing the economic boom the Ascension Party gives to the Fire Island Pines commercial district each year.

(Tipped by JMG reader TJ)

REPORT: Hotelier Mati Weiderpass Ejected From Fire Island Pines Nightclub

The New York Post reports that beleaguered Manhattan hotelier Mati Weiderpass was tossed out of the Fire Island Pines nightclub Sip-N-Twirl on Sunday after being confronted by patrons furious about his meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz.

Customer Evan Lobel said, “One guy got up and asked him what the rationale was to have dinner with Cruz. They got kind of heated and before you knew it, there was a lot of people yelling.” We’re told owner P.J. McAteer asked them to leave the bar and threatened to call police. “Upon their departure, the crowd cheered,” Lobel posted on Facebook. Another source added: “This was strictly between P.J. and Mati.” Weiderpass said in a statement, “P.J. McAteer is condemning me for what he perceives as my thoughts and beliefs by asking me to leave a venue open to all. As small-minded as that is, I have been and will always be an advocate for LGBTQ issues.”

I was under the impression that Weiderpass' business partner Ian Reisner owns a stake in Sip-N-Twirl. Readers?

Franklin Graham: About My New Gay Bank

"It is true that a local BB&T branch in the Miami area hosted a fundraiser for a program called Legacy Couples, which recognizes same-sex couples who have been in committed relationships for 10 years or more, but the bank did not promote this program through a national advertising campaign (or we would still be looking for another bank). I think there is a difference between being friendly and being a public advocate. By staying at Wells Fargo, we would not only be associating with the promotion of a lifestyle we believe to be wrong, we also would actually be helping to pay for the advertisements by virtue of banking with them — because a bank has no money to advertise with other than the money its customers place in its trust and the interest earned on that money. We simply chose not to continue doing business with a bank that is promoting something that violates our conscience and beliefs." - Franklin Graham, writing for USA Today.

Rachel Maddow Mocks Franklin Graham

"I love this story so much I want to take it to Franklin Graham's new bank and marry it. If it's a lady."

AFA Launches Wells Fargo Boycott

From the American Family Association:

In 2003, AFA warned that Wells Fargo was beginning to show public support for homosexuality. They were one of the first companies in America to do so. In 2005, Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family announced it was withdrawing funds from Wells Fargo after the company threw its support behind homosexual activist organizations.In May, 2015, Wells Fargo released a one-minute commercial video featuring two lesbians adopting a little girl. This week, AFA joins Franklin Graham, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, in calling on Christians to close their Wells Fargo bank accounts in support of God’s laws and His standards. If you have an account with Wells Fargo, we urge you to close your account as your way of letting the company know you support God's standards, not theirs. Even if you're not a customer, contact Wells Fargo to show your disapproval of their business practices. We have provided email, phone and social media contact information, including a sample letter.

Here is their suggested email to Wells Fargo: "I stand with American Family Association in opposing the cultural acceptance of homosexuality. Your latest commercial is where I draw the line with your company. God’s plan for marriage and family does not include the promotion of sin. Unfortunately, Wells Fargo has chosen to advance immorality and unhealthy lifestyles. Add me to those who are calling on Wells Fargo customers to close their accounts in support of biblical truth."

One Million Moms Vs ABC Family

Just in via email:

ABC Family Channel's lineup already includes several anti-family programs, and that list continues to grow. The newest docu-series "Becoming Us" began airing Monday, June 8, at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT. The previews airing earlier include the tagline "genders may bend, but family never breaks." This reality show is about a son's journey as he struggles with his parents' divorce and his father's transition to living as a woman. The boy's girlfriend also happens to have a father who is transgender and transforming into a woman. The show is attempting to normalize the transgender lifestyle and make it appear OK while targeting the young audience watching a supposedly family channel. The first episode included the teens going bra shopping with their Dads, a discussion about gender reassignment surgery, and foul language. Take Action: Please use the information we have provided to contact David's Bridal Inc. and ask that they pull their financial support from "Becoming Us."

Franklin Graham Won't Do Business With Bank That "Promotes Sin" - Moves All Accounts To Bank Sponsoring Gay Pride

Brian Tashman writes at Right Wing Watch:

Graham spoke with Craig James of the Family Research Council, which is cheering on Graham’s announcement, on yesterday’s edition of “Washington Watch,” where he explained that he will be switching to BB&T, another North Carolina-based bank. Graham may not have done much research, as BB&T has received an 80 percent score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and this year is the sponsor of the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade, along with the chief sponsor of Miami Beach Gay Pride’s “Legacy Couples” program, which celebrates same-sex couples in “committed relationships of 10 years or longer.” A bank spokesman said the company hopes to “support the individuals and organizations that broaden our perspectives and strengthen the diverse fabric of our communities. That’s why BB&T is proud to be a part of this day of pride and celebration of the 2015 Legacy Couples.” In fact, BB&T hosted a same-sex couple’s wedding reception earlier this year “in a makeshift chapel at event sponsor BB&T Bank South Beach branch.”

MORE: From a Miami Beach Pride press release:

BB&T Bank, in partnership with Miami Beach Gay Pride, will host a fundraising reception to honor the popular “Legacy Couples” program established during the first Miami Beach Gay Pride in 2009 and held every year since. Legacy Couples are featured guests of the Miami Beach Gay Pride parade and are celebrated for their committed relationships of 10 years or longer. Special guests at the event will be Frank Petrole and Marc Rudick, together for 55 years, and Mary Maguire and Jackie Emmett, together for 53 years. “For more than 140 years, BB&T has supported the goals of our clients, friends and neighbors by sharing financial knowledge and guidance,” said Arthur Costa, BB&T Regional Multicultural Markets Officer. “We also support the individuals and organizations that broaden our perspectives and strengthen the diverse fabric of our communities. That’s why BB&T is proud to be a part of this day of pride and celebration of the 2015 Legacy Couples.”

Tony Perkins Duggar Celebrates Franklin Graham's Call To Boycott Everything Gay

"Wells Fargo may be the first American bank to feature a lesbian ad -- but it may also be the last. The outrage over these in-your-face commercials is finally reaching a boiling point with consumers, who are sick and tired of watching companies pitch agendas over products. American powerhouses like General Mills, Tiffany & Co., Amazon, Starbucks, Tylenol, Target, Nabisco, Alaska Airlines, and even Betty Crocker are tripping over themselves to pander to 2.3% of the buying public with intense LGBT advocacy. Like us, Rev. Franklin Graham has had enough. In response to Wells Fargo's new ad, the son of evangelist Billy Graham is making an enormous withdrawal: his ministry's accounts. On Facebook, Franklin challenged Christians to take a long, hard look at where their money is going. Are your dollars financing the war on your values? If so, maybe it's time to do something about it." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins Duggar, via press release.

Franklin Graham: Boycott Everything Gay

"Have you ever asked yourself–how can we fight the tide of moral decay that is being crammed down our throats by big business, the media, and the gay & lesbian community? Every day it is something else! Tiffany’s started advertising wedding rings for gay couples. Wells Fargo bank is using a same-sex couple in their advertising. And there are more. But it has dawned on me that we don’t have to do business with them. At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, we are moving our accounts from Wells Fargo to another bank. And guess what—we don’t have to shop at Tiffany & Co., there are plenty of other jewelry stores. This is one way we as Christians can speak out—we have the power of choice. Let’s just stop doing business with those who promote sin and stand against Almighty God’s laws and His standards. Maybe if enough of us do this, it will get their attention. Share this if you agree." - Franklin Graham, posting on his Facebook page. (Tipped by JMG reader Claudio)

Queer Nation To Fly Boycott Banner Over Fire Island Pines Businesses

Via press release from Queer Nation:

A plane trailing a banner reading “Boycott Hi/Lo Tea! Fight For Full LGBT Rights!” will fly above the beach at Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines on Sunday, June 7, between 2 pm and 3 pm. The action will underscore the LGBT community’s outrage over the April 20 meeting between Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and gay businessmen Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass, who subsequently donated money to the Cruz campaign. The two gay men also held an April 14 fundraiser at their Manhattan penthouse for Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), another anti-LGBT politician.

Reisner and Weiderpass own most of the businesses in the Pines—including the Blue Whale, Sip-N-Twirl, and the Pavilion, where the “High Tea” and “Low Tea” cocktail hours are held—as well as the gay-oriented Out Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.“Two gay business owners are making money off of the LGBT community at a world-famous gay vacation spot and then giving that money to outspoken anti-LGBT politicians,” said Ken Kidd, a member of Queer Nation, the gay rights group that orchestrated the flyover. “Our community is out to win comprehensive federal legislation that will make LGBT Americans fully equal under the law. We will not be taken backward by funding anti-LGBT politicians.”

Has attendance at these Fire Island businesses been affected so far? Readers?

New York Times: Hotelier Ian Reisner DID Make A Campaign Donation To Ted Cruz

Via the New York Times:

When the gay hoteliers Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass found themselves under siege for hosting a dinner for Ted Cruz, the Texas senator who is running for president and has been vociferously opposed to same-sex marriage, they repeatedly stressed that the event was not a fund-raiser.

“There were no checks given, it was nothing like that,” Mr. Reisner told New York magazine, after The New York Times first reported on the mid-April dinner at the Central Park South penthouse. Protests and calls for boycotts of Mr. Reisner’s and Mr. Weiderpass’s properties, including their groundbreaking hotel for gay clientele, the Out NYC, ensued.

As it turns out, Mr. Reisner himself wrote a check to Mr. Cruz’s presidential campaign, making a $2,700 donation — the maximum allowed in a nominating contest — around the time the dinner took place. But shortly after The Times reported on the dinner, where about 18 people sat down at two tables in separate areas of the palatial penthouse, Mr. Reisner called the campaign and asked for his check to be refunded.

“In the interest of transparency, I gave Senator Cruz a $2,700 check to show my support for his work on behalf of Israel,” Mr. Reisner said in a statement he provided after The Times learned of the donation from two people with direct knowledge of it. “When I realized his donation could be misconstrued as supporting his anti-gay marriage agenda, I asked for the money back. Senator Cruz’s office gave the money back, and I have no intention of giving any money to any politicians who aren’t in support of L.G.B.T. issues.”

According to the Times, Mati Weiderpass "seemed surprised" to learn about Reisner's donation when asked about it last night at an event at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. At last night's event, one of the speakers just happened to be Ted Cruz. (Tipped by JMG reader Bill)

HomoQuotable - Armistead Maupin

"I'm the only gay man I know who has never been to Fire Island. I have not made a point of staying away -- its charms are legendary, of course -- but the occasion has simply never presented itself. Now, it's quite likely that I will remain forever virginal in that regard. Or at least until these guys are no longer collecting money at the dock. When I coined the term 'A-gay' forty years ago, these were just the sort of creeps I had in mind. It was never intended as something to aspire to." - Armistead Maupin, reacting to this New York Times profile of hoteliers Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass. (Tipped by JMG reader Aaron)

New York City Hotelier Mati Weiderpass: I Won't Be Silenced By Gay Extremists

"Since hosting a discussion with Texas Senator Ted Cruz in my home, I have been inundated with hateful, biased social media messages, and attacks from gay extremists (do I dare say the word?) who demand inclusion, but do not believe in dialogue. I know in my heart that these attacks do not represent the rich culture and diversity of the gay community. Yet, in our community, as in so many others, the most vocal often dominate the conversation. I hope this op-ed will help heal wounds and continue necessary progress and discussion. It is amazing that my businesses are being boycotted by some because I hosted a discussion with an elected official. Not a fundraiser. Not an endorsement. A dialogue. What would we say if the Jewish community organized a boycott of a business leader who hosted a private discussion with an important Muslim politician? We know the answer. I am a longtime leader of my community – and proud of who I am and what I have accomplished. Boycotting me for a discussion? Since when have we grown so small and intolerant?" - Manhattan hotelier Mati Weiderpass, in the opening of his New York Observer op-ed. (Tipped by JMG reader Griffin)

Manhattan Club Promoter Fires Back At Hotelier Ian "Gays Are Cheap" Reisner

Longtime Manhattan nightlife promoter John Blair took to Facebook this weekend to react to beleaguered hotelier Ian Reisner's declaration that his club is losing money because gays are cheap.

Gays, like any group, will spend their money when you give them something that they want or need. Do not blame the community for any of your failures to make money. XL made over $8M dollars the year Beto and I ran it. Then you all thought you could do it by yourself and we got the ax. You lost your shirt the next two years trying to do it yourself. So you have no one to blame but yourselves. Gays are not cheap... as a matter of fact we spend more of our money on going to bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants than do most other people. Just tell the truth. You have lost money on The OUT NYC because of the way you and Mati managed or should I say mismanaged THE OUT NYC ... don't blame us for your mistakes.

Blair and his husband Beto Sutter were the main promoters of the now-shuttered Roxy nightclub before moving on to launch Reisner's XL club. In 2012 the couple married at the Out NYC in a ceremony officiated by actress Fran Drescher and reported upon by the New York Times.

New York City Council LGBT Caucus Backs Boycott Of Gay Hoteliers

Posted yesterday to the Facebook page for the boycott of hoteliers Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass:

STATEMENT - LGBT CAUCUS - NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

"Owning businesses that cater to the LGBT community comes with a heightened level of responsibility. For the proprietors of the OUTnyc and Fire Island Pines, hosting anti-LGBT politicians like Senators Ted Cruz and Ron Johnson in their home - for whatever reason - was the height of irresponsibility. We hope that the events of the last week send a message to businesses that serve our community: you cannot make money from our community and support those who don't support our basic civil rights."

LGBT Caucus - Council Members Daniel Dromm (Queens), Corey Johnson (Manhattan), Carlos Menchaca (Brooklyn), Rosie Mendez (Manhattan), Ritchie Torres (Bronx), James Van Bramer (Queens)

‪#‎BoycottFIPOut‬

Rep. Mark Pocan On Hotel/Cruz Flap

"I know there are Republican members of the LGBT community. And there are Republican legislators who support equality, albeit not many. Fine, go ahead and throw them a fundraiser they will remember for a long time. But let's not support those who believe we'll burn in hell because of who we are and who we love. Does a candidate for any office support your existence as a human being? Do they support your quest for full marriage equality? Would they make sure you couldn't be fired from your job merely for being gay or lesbian? Will they help protect our LGBT youth with strong bullying protections? You get the idea. Please add those and other issues to the list of questions you ask BEFORE you invite a candidate over, introduce your friends, raise money for them or post pictures on the internet smiling with them -- because apparently some people will use anyone to get ahead, even if they completely disagree with you as a person." - Rep. Mark Pocan, writing for the Huffington Post.

NOTE: The owners of the NYC's Out Hotel have denied that the event with Sen. Ted Cruz was a fundraiser. The boycott page on Facebook now has over 10,000 members.

Protesters Chant "Shame!" At Midtown Hotel Owned By Cruz Meeting Hosts

Happening NOW! #BoycottFIPOut
Posted by Boycott Fire Island Pines Establishments & Out NYC Hotel on Monday, 27 April 2015

Photos by Matt Rettenmund at Boy Culture.