#AnywhereButTarget… We Disagree

There is a website and hashtag circulating this holiday season to encourage consumers to shop #AnywhereButTARGET.  Hayden’s List feels differently. We believe in supporting companies that support us, the LGBTQ community. Here’s why Target deserves our support:

– In 2014 Target joined several other national companies to sign on to an amicus brief in support of marriage equality. The brief evaluated the issues created by states that both prohibited marriage equality and those that refused to recognize marriages that were conducted legally in other states.
– Long before they were legally required to do so, Target offered comprehensive, competitive benefits to their LGBTQ team members and their families.
– In June 2015, Target shared their #TakePride philosophy and celebrated Pride Month with volunteerism, sponsored events and a new merchandise collection.
– In August 2015, Target introduced, to much criticism, gender neutral signs for children’s bedding and children’s toys
– Target was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality, earning a score of 100 on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index.
– Target announced in April 2016 the support of Federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBTQ individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination.
– Target welcomes transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.

This holiday season, please support those businesses that support us. Check out the retail section of your city on Hayden’s List. Spread some joy by helping a community member find a LGBTQ friendly or not so friendly store by leaving a review here.

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One Less Worry for Pulse Victims

We hear about so many negative and sad LGBT stories, it’s always wonderful when we can spread some good news. Here’s a story that is sure to put a smile on your face.

The hospitals that treated the Pulse shooting victims, Orlando Health and Florida Hospital, will not bill the victims or their families. The hospitals will be writing off approximately $5.5 million in services.

Orlando Health’s main hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, treated the majority of the victims. Nine patients died after arriving. Orlando Health will bill insurance companies for those who had coverage, but the remaining balance will be written off by the hospital.

Florida Hospital, which treated a dozen of the victims, said they would not even bill insurance companies, nor will they bill for follow-up surgeries the survivors may need.

“During this very trying time, many organizations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support. This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward.” said Orlando Health President and CEO David Strong.

Daryl Tol, Florida Hospital’s President and CEO said, “We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando.”

And, smile.

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Recurring Theme: Cancelled in North Carolina

It’s become a recurring theme. Concerts – cancelled, sporting events – cancelled, and now the latest to refuse to come to the North Carolina – The University of Vermont Women’s Basketball Team. The team just announced they are cancelling their December 28 away game versus the University of North Carolina due to the HB2 law in North Carolina. Players, coaches and school officials come to this decision together and feel good about their decision.

Vermont’s Athletic Director Jeff Schulman told ESPN.com:

“The decision to cancel our December 28 women’s basketball game at North Carolina was made as a result of concerns over the HB2 law, which prevents transgender people from using government-run bathrooms based on their gender identity.

We strive very hard to create an inclusive climate for our students and staff in which they all can feel safe, respected and valued. It would be hard to fulfill these obligations while competing in a state with this law, which is contrary to our values as an athletic department and university.”

The Vermont / UNC game is not the first event or sporting event to be cancelled because of the law. Bruce Springsteen cancelled a concert in North Carolina. The NBA moved the 2017 All Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans and the University of Albany cancelled a men’s basketball game against Duke scheduled in November. So, whose next?

Vermont Cancels Women's Basketball Game vs. UNC over State's Transgender Law

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Live in Sacramento? Interested in a LGBTQ Friendly cake?

Live in Sacramento? Interested in a LGBTQ Friendly cake?

The Freeport Bakery in Sacramento, California, like all bakeries on social media, posted a picture of a finished cake. However the response to this cake was unlike any other.

“I will never call you for a cake ever, again, and I am throwing your cards to the garbage,” one customer wrote. Added another: “You can dress up a plastic doll but sorry to burst your bubble. A person’s DNA determines their sex.”

The owner of The Freeport Bakery was shocked at the negative response. Marlene Goetzeler told The Huffington Post “I was really surprised. Honestly, I must be really naive,”

The cake in question is a depiction of a Ken doll wearing a pink dress and jewelry made out of frosting. Many people saw this as a statement that Ken was a member of the transgender community. “I don’t ask people why they’re buying a cake. I don’t say, ‘Are you gay? Are you transgender?’ It’s not something that comes up,” Goetzeler said.

Despite losing social media followers and the negative comments, Goetzeler said she does not plan to change the way she does business. “We’re in the business of spreading joy ― that’s what we do,” she said. “We make cakes that people love, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

Hayden’s List approves this message and next time any of our staff are in Sacramento, we’ll be sure to stop by for a cake.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/transgender-ken-doll-cake_us_57bf4663e4b085c1ff2870f7

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