In the weeks after ThinkProgress outed Chick-fil-A for its continued financial support of anti-LGBTQ organizations, the fast food chain was blocked from opening additional locations in both San Antonio and Buffalo. For a San Jose franchise development, though, the process was reportedly too far along for a reversal at the time of the article's publication, so the disgruntled community is fighting back with a message of inclusivity.
According to Eater, the San Jose city council has voted to place pride flags outside of the airport where the new Chick-fil-A is scheduled to open. Former county supervisor Ken Yeager, who happens to be the city's first openly gay elected official, proposed the idea "as a counter-signal to the discrimination supported by [the company]." Councilman Raul Peralez was another staunch supporter of the plan and hopes to make the new location the "gayest Chick-fil-A in the country."
The store, which is set to open in just 35 days, was approved an entire year before the original scandal in March 2018. However, many public officials voiced their disappointment over the deal and Mayor Sam Liccardo even apologized. Per Mercury News, Liccardo said he "simply didn't think enough" when the plans were authorized. Shake Shack, Great American Bagel, Trader Vic's, and a brewpub are also included in the expansion, but are seemingly free of controversy, so, you can carry on eating Shack Burgers guilt-free.
Though Chick-fil-A avoided any real apologizing for their questionable donations, the brand's since tried to paint themselves as welcoming. "We do not have a political or social agenda," they said in a recent statement: "More than 145,000 people from different backgrounds and beliefs represent the Chick-fil-A brand, including members of the LGBTQ community. We embrace all people, regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity."
If that's really the case, maybe they'll love the pride flags. Maybe it'll become a nationwide staple.
