Responding to OMM's Email about Archie Comic

As in the past One Million Moms has decided it's their job to decide what others get to purchase and where. For the first time in history a comic book has published a story featuring a Gay Marriage! For many of us who have a long time relationship with Archie Comic Books, this milestone could not be better placed!  Archie has always portrayed their characters through the eyes of the teens of the day. And they are now starting to tackle issues which show support to teens and children of all walks of life.  As a woman who was once a LGBT teen, this is awesome! Teens, and children of all ages, need to see people like them, and families like theirs (especially those who have LGBT parents) throughout all forms of Media. Comic books may just be the tip of the iceberg, but it's a great start. Assuming groups like One Million Moms don't shame them in to removing it from shelves.

Now, to be on point, OMM is NOT targeting Archie Comic Books or their publisher (yet), instead they are targeting Toys 'R' Us, one of the many companies who sells this comic. Below is the mass email they are having members send to Toys 'R' Us in an effort to harass them in to removing this comic from their shelves. - Even threatening to stop shopping there if they don't.

The email reads:

"As a mother and a member of OneMillionMoms.com, I am extremely disappointed to learn that select Toys 'R' Us stores are now selling 'Archie' comic books with a same-sex wedding displayed on the front cover. I am referring to the ones where the front cover reads "Just Married" with two men marrying, one wearing a service uniform.

I am aware that Toys 'R' Us employees do not actually set up the displays; they leave this up to the vendor. Your company should be aware of the merchandise being sold in your stores nonetheless. These comic books are displayed at the front checkout counters so they are highly visible to employees, managers, customers and children.

Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in your toy store. This is the last place a parent would expect to be confronted with questions from their children on topics that are too complicated for them to understand. Issues of this nature are being introduced too early and too soon, which is becoming extremely common and unnecessary.

A trip to the toy store turns into a premature discussion on sexual orientation and is completely uncalled for. Toys 'R' Us should be more responsible in the products they carry.

Please remove all the same-sex "Just Married - Archie" comic books immediately from your shelves. My decision to shop in your stores depends on it.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my concern."

In an effort to counter this mass email, I have sent Toys 'R' Us an email in support of this comic, and I do plan to head out to our local Toys R Us this week to pick up a few copies - assuming my local Toys R Us has them.

Here's the email I sent them:

"As a mother, and a member of the LGBT community, I am extremely pleased to learn that select Toys 'R' Us stores are now selling 'Archie' comic books with a same-sex wedding displayed on the front cover. (the ones where the front cover reads "Just Married" with two men marrying, one wearing a service uniform) I wish however, that it were EVERY store, rather than simply "select" stores!

I am aware that your stores leave it up to vendors to construct displays, but I felt it important to express my joy at your companies support of the LGBT community, nonetheless.
Proudly displaying these comic books where they can be seen by employees, managers, customers and children, shows not only support to those customers and employees who are openly members of the LGBT community, but also to those who are feeling pressured or unsure about their sexuality.

Children with homosexual parents or who are questioning their own sexuality are often victims of pressure, bullying and even violence. Children with homosexual parents NEED all the support they can get! They NEED to be shown that families like their own are just as normal, loving and accepted as everyone elses! And those who may be questioning their own sexuality need to know that they are normal! Showing such support to your young customer is wonderful gesture and one that I am thankful to see.

Children need to be exposed to love as much as possible! I have only rarely been a Toys 'R' Us customer, however, I will be purchasing numerous copies of this comic for the children in my family and for those of my friends. I would love to see more LGBT support from your company, and will happily support your company in return!

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my concern."

I am asking my readers to show support as well. Do NOT let OMM push another company in to removing their support of the LGBT community! Teens and Children, more than anyone else, need to see this type of support from media and companies which support them!

You can call or email Toys R Us' CEO, Clay Creasey using the below information...

Primary Phone: 1-800-869-7787
Secondary Phone: 1-973-617-3500
E-Mail: Clay.Creasey@toysrus.com