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I took the plunge a little while ago and signed up for the Human Rights Campaign Visa Card, which I know is surprising for someone like me who is so practically minded and is not the affinity-card kind of person. And I am, and I am not.
However, owning this piece of plastic has had an interesting affect. It reminds people who I do business with that I support equality, of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender type. I (we) do not have to be invisible in even the smallest transactions.
When I was in Washington, DC, recently, I used the card to buy my standard Starbucks drink, in the Penn Quarter part of the city (downtown, diverse). Most of the time, the folks who I hand this to don’t notice the logo, but this time they did, and it was great. She took the card, looked at it, looked at me, and gave me a look that said, “You are all right.” And this is from a person who I would never have “suspected.” And that’s the point, she wouldn’t have “suspected” me either. It was the coolest 5 second reach across the table moment.
Yesterday in Seattle, the same thing. I handed the card to purchase my standard Starbucks drink, and the woman at the register said, “HRC, All right!” I asked if she was part of the community and she said, “No, but I have done a lot of work with the PIRG’s and we’ve collaborated a lot with Human Rights Campaign.”
Maybe this card also supports the Human Rights Campaign, and that’s fine. The most important thing it does is start the conversation. And we need to have the conversation. We have a long way to go yet. I never thought a piece of plastic would help with that.
That’s a really good idea. Not only are you supporting them financially but every time you use your card you’re making a small statement. You’ve inspired me. I may follow your lead.
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