Jitters and Bliss Claims “Neutral” on Marriage Equality – Yet Partners with NOM

JoeMyGod and GoodAsYou reported today that Jitters and Bliss is buying ads on NOM’s website.

The company claims they are “neutral” in the marriage equality struggle:

“In light of Jitters & Bliss Coffee paid advertising on NOM website, our position has not changed. Like many companies, we are NEUTRAL on the gay marriage issue. We respect our customers’ diverse views on it as with many other issues facing our nation today. Yes, we are paying advertising on NOM, and would do so on gay sites too (with a NEUTRAL, inclusive position). Out nation is diverse as is our customer base.”

Yet, as NOM points out, “During the month of July Jitters and Bliss is offering a 5% discount to every customer who enters the promotional code ‘marriage’. A small portion of each purchase made also goes to support the National Organization for Marriage as we work to educate people and corporations on the importance of marriage to our society.”

Slap in the face much?

NOM goes on to say, “Let me be clear. Jitters and Bliss has not, as a corporation, taken a position in the debate over marriage. Just like every company, they have customers, employees, and vendors who hold personal views on what marriage ought to be. They are committed to honoring those views by maintaining a neutral corporate position on marriage.”

This is false. It is the opposite of neutral. Buying ads is one thing. I can almost forgive that if they actually were buying ads on sites such as Towleroad, JoeMyGod, GoodAsYou and other LGBT publications. However, offering discounts if you enter the code “marriage” and then giving a portion of each sale to NOM… that’s not neutral. That’s aiding those who would deny an entire population equality.

I decided to try to post my own comment on the company’s Facebook page (having seen that Jeremy’s (GoodasYou) was deleted. (Looks like Jitters & Bliss does not like the controversy they’ve started!) It went up sixteen minutes ago and is still there now. Wonder how long that will last before I get scrubbed from existence. A snapshot of my comment is posted below… just in case it vanishes from Facebook.

Many thanks to JoeMyGod and Jeremy for sharing the news. Not that I’d ever heard of this company before, but I sure as ruby red slippers won’t ever buy from them now!

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About the author

I’m Tommy, a writer and storyteller who works in marketing for the arts and cultural communities. I’m the author of Mabel Stanley and the Town That Was Built All Wrong, a fun and heartfelt book, and I’m currently working on a novel about self-discovery and the complexities of memory. Writing is a big part of my life, but I also enjoy creating experiences that bring people together, which is why my husband, Matt, and I co-run the online store Have Fun Spread Joy. It’s all about embracing the playful side of life and giving back along the way. I’m married to Matt, and we share our home with our two pets, Zoey (the cat) and Dixie (the dog). When I’m not writing, working on our store, or doing marketing for the arts, I like to dive into theater, something I want to get more involved with over time. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and while it comes with its own set of challenges, it also gives me a unique perspective that I try to channel into everything I do. Whether it’s writing, working on creative projects, or finding ways to spread joy, I’m all about making a lasting impact in whatever I do.

Tommy Karr