Local and national level sponsors of the Gay Games in Chicago were targeted last week in separate e-mail blasts by the American Family Association and the Illinois Family Institute. Both right-wing groups were attacking primarily Kraft for its sponsorship of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
A Kraft spokeswoman told reporters it was standing by its commitment to diversity and sponsorship of the Gay Games. Mayor Daley also issued a statement through his mayor’s GLBT liaison standing by the event. Daley is honorary chair of the GGVII host committee.
Other sponsors targeted included local restaurants and businesses, such as Harris Bank and Bridgeview Bank, Francesca’s, and Play It Again Sports (the Irving Park store is a sponsor of the Gay Games).
Supporters of the Gay Games worldwide quickly rallied in defense of the sponsors, initiating their own phone and e-mail campaign to leaders at Kraft and other businesses.
See www.gaygameschicago.org.