Oak Lawn Kroger fans defend store against allegations of not being gay-friendly

[LostInTime]

Employees, customers stress how supportive supermarket has been

Employees and customers of the Cedar Springs Kroger adamantly defended the supermarket this week in the face of allegations that its parent corporation is not LGBT-friendly.
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Gary Chevalier, a wine consultant at the Cedar Springs Kroger, called HRC's findings unfair. Chevalier is a drag queen who recently won a prestigious award from Kroger honoring his fundraising for local LGBT and AIDS-related causes.
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Although Kroger has an equal employment opportunity policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, the policy does not include gender identity. Also, Cincinnati-based Kroger, which is ranked 21st in the Fortune 500, does not offer domestic partner benefits and does not support an LGBT employee resource group, according to HRC.

[Thundra]

While Kroger Company has an official policy against discrimination based on sexual identity or gender presentation, I can tell you that in Portland, it is on paper.

I myself, and many gays, lesbians, and transgendered folk have suffered all kinds of discriminatory behaviour from staff and management at the local branch of Kroger -- Fred Meyer.

They talk a good game, but when it comes to meting out punishment, or reviewing misbehaviours, they simply suck.

[Attis]

I work for Dillons here in Wichita, and we do have a manager, in floral department of all places, that is gay. I only guessed it from the fact he never talked about a family or kids, and he wore a pride bracelet [which doesn't look like one until you notice the imprints on it]. Yet despite this fact, there are still a few gay jokes tossed about, some veiled toward my person since I am the most gender ambiguous person on staff. Also, HRC rates Kroger as pretty low, lower than QuikTrip with regard to GLBTs.

-- Bridget

[Sheila]

Thundra,
  I know down here in Eugene the Fred Meyers here are very supportive. I worked with them for 22 years and my wife has worked for them for over 15 years. I retired as a manager and she is an HR person. If you are unfairly dealt with, go over the managers head. Deal with the HR people inthe main office. I know there are some store directors out there that are very bigoted, but if you have a problem with them go over there head. Make sure you have a case though. Also, you can go to BOLI and they will help you out. A good lawyer can make you some money and get a director fired. I have seen it done.
Sheila