In direct response to this article from Join the Impact MA
I am unaware that anyone from NH Pride Fest were contacted by this organization. As we have said, time and time again, and now have to put it in these terms, this is not about “pink-washing” the Chick-Fil-A brand. Chick-Fil-A is using their money to fund several organizations that have and still do support the criminalization of homosexuality. Who have also supported false science such as “Pray the Gay Away” and who have attended conferences in Uganda that supported giving homosexuals the DEATH PENALTY.
Let’s be clear, Chick-Fil-A is an organization who’s leadership supports, at best, intolerance, and at worst, violence against LGBTQQI human beings under the ‘guise of using laws and government. Through over $5 Million dollars of donations since 2003, Chick-Fil-A has come out in favor of hate. $5 Million dollars which could have gone towards feeding the hungry, repairing communities, taking care of our armed service members when they come back from wars, and doing some ACTUAL GOOD in this world.
We DO NOT in any way support Chick-Fil-A, but do support Anthony Picolia and his staff for trying to step away from the damage his company has done to our communities, and thank him for wanting to come out and support us. We too hope that Anthony will join us in asking Chick-Fil-A to not donate, directly or indirectly, to harming our communities. We also ask that individuals maintain the boycott against Chick Fil A. We will not however punish those trying to move past the hate of their organization and who may have an actual ability to effect change within the company.
We support the boycott still because giving money to Chick-Fil-A is like giving money and weapons to an army that wants to see you imprisoned, or put to death. Even if the Nashua, NH store supports our community, they still give a share of their earnings back to their corporate headquarters, who then uses that money against us.
And we also agree, Pride events were not founded to gain corporate sponsorships or access to LGBT consumers. They were founded to confront discrimination and support people for living their lives openly in the face of legal discrimination.
Please leave your comments below about this statement. If you have negative feedback to give about the Nashua NH Chick-Fil-A being allowed at Pride. We welcome you to leave your comments here, or e-mail us at info@nhpridefest.com. We have received overwhelming support for this action from the community, and some outright opposition to it. We want to hear from you, so please contact us. You may also contact us by calling (213) 53 PRIDE.
Thank You,
Ryan Hirsch
NH Pride Fest Director of Facilitation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tara Powell
Telephone: (603) 440-3645
Email: outreach@nhpridefest.com
NASHUA CHICK-FIL-A TO DONATE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIDE FESTIVAL
7/31/2012 Nashua, NH – Anthony Picolia, manager of the only Chick-Fil-A in New Hampshire, is excited to donate to the New Hampshire Pride Fest, a celebration of gay rights. In the midst of a controversy over remarks by Chick-Fil-A’s President regarding marriage equality, Picolia decided to take a “Live Free or Die” attitude towards the festival. “In both my personal and professional life, I have had and continue to have positive relationships with family, friends, customers and employees in the LGBT community.” Picolia said. “It would make me sad if someone felt that they were not openly welcomed into my life or restaurant based on their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.
Chick-fil-A at Pheasant Lane Mall has gay employees and serves gay customers with honor, dignity and respect. We also don’t discriminate in giving back to the Nashua community, donating to a wide variety of causes. I would challenge people to come have a conversation with me before they make assumptions or boycott my restaurant. Come to my restaurant and see for yourself that my team and I only have one mission: To serve exceptional experiences to all.”
Tara Powell, one of the festival’s organizers, is looking forward to working with Mr. Picolia in planning the festival. “This sponsorship is just another example of how great New Hampshire is to the LGBT community. We are looking forward to having a great Pride Fest, and are very excited to have Chick-Fil-A involved.”
The New Hampshire Pride Fest is a revival of an old New Hampshire tradition of gay pride festivals. It is scheduled from noon to 5:00 PM on August 11, 2012 at Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester. New Hampshire Pride Fest is a family friendly event, and all families are encouraged to come and celebrate the LGBTQQIA community in New Hampshire!
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT
TARA POWELL AT (603) 440-3645
If you would like to vend for this event you can E-mail Sabrina Hex at director@nhpridefest.com
We will be offering 10×10 units for $50 units
$50
On August 11th 2012 New Hampshire’s LGBTS communities will join together for the New Hampshire Pride Festival 2012, which we hope will bring about the rebirth of annual Pride Festivals in New Hampshire. This year will be all about building community, and standing for equality, and having a really great time doing so.
NH at one point had an excellent pride festival held every year, and we hope to pick up and continue that tradition. Many people go to other states for Pride festivals nowadays, and while we encourage that as well, we would also like to bring that sense of community and all of that wonderful energy back with us to the Granite State.
The event will be from 12:00PM to 5:00PM in Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester NH. There will be a Pride March down Elm Street and back, a Drag Show that is family friendly, and a Puppy Drag Parade! We are getting more details soon, as far as an afterparty, and the many vendors and organizations
who will be joining us in the park. We hope to see you all in the park on the 11th! 
By the way, the photo of the puppy was taken by rockmixer, and released under a Creative Commons license. You can find out more here: www.flickr.com/
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