I have a gay brother and sister, and for obvious reasons, for the first time in decades I won't be following my fave ice dancing at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia.
I'm also a big fan of the (usually) campy opening and closing ceremonies. For several Olympics, I wrote Kos Diaries, Opening and Closing Ceremonies: How Gay? A lighthearded and gay-positive blogging of those fun and fabulous extravaganzas.
I don't have the heart to do that this year, either.
Not least because no one in my family would be able to attend the Olympics in Sochi, safely.
Not if we were in the company of my siblings, or displayed normal family affection, or dammit, so much as mentioned their existence, while in Russia.
As a former journalist, I'm amazed and confounded that Sochi sponsors Coca Cola, MasterCard and McDonald's aren't fleeing this public relations nightmare.
And angry that they aren't.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to phone or email those at the top of corporations like Coca Cola without the suspicion your communication went into the black hole of voicemail and unread emails.
But after a diligent search of the website I found the contact for Media Relations: ah ha, that I know will always be read and responded to.
Corporations love the free advertising they might garner from press sources.
So that's where I sent my inquiry, email and voice mail.
"As a journalist with a 30 year career, who has a gay brother and
sister, I have one question:
Why is Coca Cola involved in the public relations nightmare of an Olympics
that no one in my family could attend, safely?"
To which I received a response actually directed to my name, if by a P.R. person too much the coward to reveal his last name:
Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company, Ms. Brown. We appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As one of the world’s most inclusive brands, we value and celebrate diversity. We have long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community and have advocated for inclusion and diversity through both our policies and practices. We do not condone human rights abuses, intolerance or discrimination of any kind anywhere in the world.
As a sponsor since 1928, we believe the Olympic Games are a force for good that unite people through a common interest in sports, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact and long-lasting legacy they leave on every community that has been a host.
We support the ideals of the Olympics and are proud to continue our role in helping to make the Olympics a memorable experience for athletes, fans and communities all around the world.
We hope this information is helpful and encourage you to contact us again should you have additional comments or questions.
Alex
Industry and Consumer Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company
Fuck you, Coca-Cola and Alex Without a Last Name, I did have a response and additional comment:
No, this is no answer. Coca Cola is sponsoring an Olympics no one in my family could attend without threat of arrest -- or torture.
Not me, nor my sister the doctor, her wife, her son. Not my 89 year-old father, his wife (or her two gay sons, and their partners), nor my brother and his partner of 35 years.
None of us would be safe at the Olympics Coco Cola is sponsoring, and that is an abomination.
As a journalist of 30 years standing, I'm well aware it's also a public relations nightmare for Coco Cola.
And after your non-response, I'll be doing my small part to help create that public relations nightmare for Coco Cola.
Sincerely.
Alex's email: cocacolasupport@na.ko.com