Andi Owen, Global President of Banana Republic, is encouraging Banana Republic employees across the world to take a stand for acceptance as part of GLAAD’s #GotYourBack campaign.
In a message to all global employees, Owen wrote:
“Banana Republic believes in respect and equality for all […] At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you live, work or shop. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
“Please join me in taking a stand. Let’s shout out that intolerance is not okay by supporting GLAAD’s #GotYourBack campaign. Take a photo with the attached sign to share with your family and friends on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Use the hash tags #GotYourBack and #WeAreBR. Together, we can make a difference.”
This week, Banana Republic and its parent company, Gap Inc. also voiced concern over Indiana’s so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” which allows Indiana businesses to claim a right to refuse to serve visitors and citizens simply because they’re LGBT.
"Discriminatory laws are unquestionably bad for business, but more importantly, they are fundamentally wrong," Gap Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co. wrote in a joint blog post. "At Gap Inc. and Levi Strauss & Co., we are proud to say we are open to business for everyone."
Here's why we partnered with @LeviStraussCo in solidarity against the #IndianaBillhttp://t.co/qY1LzMbcz1#LetsDoMorepic.twitter.com/cy6AgrJKes
— Gap Inc. (@GapInc) March 31, 2015
Because #equality is worth standing up for. Indiana (and beyond), we've #GotYourBack. http://t.co/XRPqm9Cf3Kpic.twitter.com/fBHwA29DVh
— Banana Republic (@BananaRepublic) April 1, 2015
Banana Republic was an earlier supporter of marriage equality and has a long history of standing up for equality. In 2013, the company ran a contest called #BRLove4All, which encouraged gay and straight couples to show off their love.
Join in and show your support for LGBT people in Indiana and beyond by participating in GLAAD's #GotYourBack campaign at http://glaad.org/gotyourback