British Tourism Posters Draw Criticism from South Carolina Senator
An ad campaign recently launched to promote a London based gay tour operator is coming under fire from South Carolina Senator David Thomas.
Marketing agency Out Now Consulting created travel posters stating, “South Carolina is so gay.” Under the phrase is a picture of a historic South Carolina home, as well phrases boasting their gay beaches as well as golf.
Senator Thomas claims that his outrage has nothing to do with homophobia, but the fact that the ad falsely highlights the gay beaches and nightlife in the state. “They’ll get off the plane and say, ‘Where are the gay beaches?’ and no one will know what they are talking about.” Thomas is refusing to pay for the campaign and is demanding the removal of all of the posters.
The same ads were created to advertise Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Washington D.C which hang along escalators in two of London’s tube stations. None of the other five U.S. cities promoted have taken issue with the campaign.
Gay rights activist Ryan Wilson with South Carolina’s Pride Movement says that the Senator’s behavior is another example of bigotry. The group decided to fundraise to pay the $5,000 fee for the campaign and taken on the slogan, “South Carolina WILL BE So Gay.”
