For shame, Bradford

When I sent an announcement for Warpen Pryde Folders to MacMonkies, I used a different email address than usual. The announcement didn't appear, so I resent my email to the usual address. Bradford Wiles replied that he does not post GLBT "subject matter" on the site.

Strange, he didn't object to announcing Awareness with its GLBT ribbons while we discussed my purchase of advertising space on MacMonkies.

Bradford's email:

My friend Jamie, Your curiosity regarding the "missing" PR deserves an honest answer, and that is what I offer. I am one who appreciates the "conservative" side of life, and I humbly admit that there are certain subjects that I would rather not "discuss" on the website. Though not one myself, I have a handful of gay or lesbian friends. When it comes to the subject of sexuality, we generally agree not to discuss it since we have such different, deep rooted opinions on the subject. When it comes to information we post at MacMonkies, I prefer subject matters that fall into categories that may not be considered "controversial" by some. Though that may be considered unfair (and understandably so), I choose to consider the widespread audience that we have. All of your work is excellent. And the only PR's that I have not posted are the ones that contain the GLBT subject matter. All due respect, Jamie - and I sincerely mean that - I hope you understand my decision. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this. I am interested in your point of view. Respectfully, Brad

And my reply:

the only PR's that I have not posted are the ones that contain the GLBT subject matter. Not a true statement, Bradford. You raised no objections to posting my last set with GLBT content. In addition to designs representing campaigns about diseases, syndromes, and freedom of speech, Awareness includes "bi pride," "rainbow pride," and "trans pride" icons that display the same pride stripes as Warpen Pryde Folders. You would have scrolled past these icons to reach the "red white & blue" icon used as a web graphic on June 21, 2005, with your announcement of Awareness. In fact, your email of June 20, 2005, only discusses the day you would post Awareness and the "cut off" times that you and Tina had for completing site updates. You closed with "I will have the info you need regarding the ad later today or Tuesday at the latest." That you appear willing to hide your prejudice while doing business with a gay customer does not speak well of you. It is shameful at best. Make no mistake, had you made any of these statements to me while discussing advertising on MacMonkies, I would not have made any purchase from you or otherwise supported your site. My family and I have come to the aid of more than 700 gay teens near you. The first of these was kicked out of his home at 14 for being gay by a "conservative" father on the same day he sustained a concussion, broken arm, cracked ribs, and deep bruises from a gay bashing. Needless to say, I have no sympathy for those whose comfort level is breached by the subject of sexual orientation. I regard no person who discriminates against GLBT people as a friend. Do not presume to call me yours. Jamie McCanless

Shame on you, Bradford.

Tags: GLBT, LGBT, gay, queer, homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, ally, discrimination, prejudice, hypocrisy, MacMonkies