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Today is the day: Exchange a same-sex kiss at Starbucks

by Rhonda J Mangus | April 14, 2009 at 05:08 pm

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Today is the day to exchange a same-sex kiss at Starbucks.

This one-day event coincides with "Tax Day" to highlight the fact that “LGBT couples have yet to be granted the same rights to file our taxes jointly on a Federal level, and we can still be fired for being openly gay in the workplace. That’s why you’re encouraged to be seen on Tax Day, April 15, 2009, spreading your love with a KISS!” - Same-sex Kiss Day.

Same Sex Kiss Day calls for couples to go to a neighborhood Starbucks coffee shop and during one (or all, if you wish) of four designated times throughout the day, exchange a kiss with your same sex partner or friend. The set times are at 7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 5:15 pm, and 8:15 pm.

Why Starbucks? Well according to the Same Sex Kiss Day website, “Starbucks has been committed to LGBT rights since the beginning of time offering domestic partnership insurance, quoting gay artists on their coffee cups, and funding our gay pride parades.”

For those who aren't comfortable kissing in public, the organization says to consider April 15th a "Homo-Hug-in".

Also on NowPublic: Starbucks chosen site for Same-sex Kiss Day Campaign

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Amy Judd

at 17:18 on April 14th, 2009

Thanks for the heads up!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 17:23 on April 14th, 2009

You are very welcome, Amy! Thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 18:44 on April 14th, 2009

Esta, thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation. You are also very welcome. I will be looking for events and hope that other readers will contribute to this "News Wanted" story (Thank you, Amy).

Pucker Up (not verified)

at 06:41 on April 15th, 2009

Hey can you update the website reference. It's not SSKD.org, it's http://www.samesexkissday.org/.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 14:09 on April 15th, 2009

Pucker Up, the website reference is now linked (correctly:)). Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Roland Jeffery

at 09:27 on April 15th, 2009

Well, good for Starbucks. It's a shame they also sell medicore coffee and insipid factory made snacks and are the kind of US/ globalised brand that is making everywhere look and feel the same.

Mikasi

at 21:08 on April 15th, 2009

I hated Starbucks for the longest time for reasons like this. Then I worked with a guy who was there part time and he told me how well they treated their employees. Frankly, it was impressive. Since discovering that they're ok by me.

Mikasi

at 21:11 on April 15th, 2009

The small, local business I work for is owned and run by a lesbian couple. While they are not into PDA (public displays of affection) I do happily report that many days there are an informal "pat your coworker and employee's ass day."

Personal fond memories aside, hurrah to Starbucks for showing some support and agape to the LGBT community.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 21:14 on April 15th, 2009

Mikasi, it is good to 'see' you around! Thanks for sharing the "Personal fond memories...", for reading and for the recommendation!

Barry ORegan

at 06:41 on April 16th, 2009

We have something similar in British Columbia, on CFUN 1410 a spokesman for the Gay population to appease the Christian Right, have renamed it "Hug a Homo"!

Now who says Gays don't have a great sense of humour!