In a move many
gay activists are expecting might anger conservatives, the
PepsiCo Foundation renewed its relationship with Parents,
Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays earlier
this week to the tune of a $500,000 grant.
The grant was
earmarked to support Straight for Equality, a national
education campaign created to help straight allies stand up
for gay people in their families, communities, and
workplaces, and PFLAG chapter support.
"PepsiCo has
provided PFLAG with an enormous gift, and an
unparalleled opportunity, to demonstrate the power we have
to create change, no matter where we are, or who we
are," PFLAG executive director Jody M. Huckaby said in
a statement released earlier today. "Because of the
foundation's generosity and commitment, we now have
the resources to produce materials for our chapters to use
in their communities, and to create critically
important conversations, in every corner of our
country."
While some wonder
if the contribution will cause groups like Focus on the
Family to call for a boycott, PepsiCo corporate
contributions director Jacqueline Millan said the
company stands by the donation.
"We are
delighted to continue our partnership with PFLAG,"
Millan said in a statement. "The Straight for
Equality in the Workplace training program is unique
in that it is promoting the necessary message of inclusion
to untapped groups within the local community, and
that is a crucial step towards building a healthy
working environment."
PepsiCo has
previously given generously to other gay advocacy groups,
including the Human Rights Campaign. (The
Advocate)