They cannot steal my happy
I own a small apparel business called You Can’t Steal My Happy. I have been selling online and at local speciality stores around Dallas including Skivvies in Oak Lawn.
Thanks in large part to the gay community I have been enjoying brisk sales as many people enjoy the upbeat message of You Can’t Steal My Happy. What’s unique about this business is that I am a straight man and most of my clients are gay. I am grateful for their support and I am even taking part in Dallas Pride in September.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a screen printer that I have used over the years that they were not interested in printing my Pride shirts as they felt it did not fit into their mission statement. I was shocked as I have used them for other projects and I became friends with them.
I understand they have the right to run their business as they choose, but it was the first time I could really relate personally to what the gay community is sometimes subjected to in this day and age. I really would have expected this response from a business 10 years ago, but not in today’s world. This experience has made me more determined then ever to help bring equality to the human race. Below is the email, but I am withholding the company’s information as I am not interested in calling them out. They are actually good people, but they are still living in a narrow-minded world. I will not let them steal my happy!
Robert,
After talking it over with our boss and co., we have come to the decision that we will have to respectfully decline the job. As a business and an organization, we don’t feel that this particular T-shirt project/group falls in line with what our company stands for or our mission. If you would like to know more about it, I know John would be open to sitting down and talking with you about it, but at this time, we will not be able to help you. I hope this finds you well and that you can understand. Thanks for your continued support in our business and for allowing us to serve you.
Robert Hearn
Grapevine
Via email