As an Elder Queer I want everyone during on corporate gayness to just know a smidge of history.

Companies used to refuse our money.

Car dealerships would turn us away. Banks would refuse us mortgages. Restaurants and grocery stores would ask us to leave.

Being detectable gay in a commercial space ran a very high risk of being thrown out.

When Subaru sponsored a float at Pride, it meant we could buy cars there with dignity.

When Target marched at Pride, it meant my gf and I could go shopping together.

My first mortgage was from Wells Fargo bank because they would accept gay money.

U.S. Bank would not at the time.

I know it seems farfetched now, but homophobia ranked greater than capitalist greed for half my life.

I, too, dunk on Rainbow Capitalism these days, and the naked cash grab it entails.

But I still shop at Target, who, these days, sells binders for trans folk and stocks pride clothes year-round. They've been here from the beginning. That means something.

And as the courts and laws try to roll back my rights, those companies that stand by us will be important again.