Same -- they have a lot of good YouTube videos that I learned a lot from too.

It seems plausible that Drew left because of the church stuff, but it is not confirmed so conclusions must not be drawn on this part of drama.

That much is certainly fair. I can't imagine that he didn't have some inkling of their beliefs, as it's almost impossible not to in a small workplace like that. It seems like more than anything, his leaving was just the call to action that led to things being uncovered independently.

I suppose one could read the tea leaves all along and guess that a southern, white family that is eager to proclaim their Christianity is likely involved in some conservative stuff, but there's still a basic social contract in the US that you can "opt out" of the culture wars publicly if you do so consistently. If they don't push it on the details, and they are supportive of things like an annual pride month sale, then maybe there's nuance to their belief system that they are entitled to work out in private. I think when you make a show of getting involved in expanding that realm, to be literally evangelical by spreading a faith that a lot of us think is pretty toxic, that you burn through a lot of goodwill pretty quickly. Add it on to how milquetoast they were about the Noodlers stuff, and it's enough to make me want to shop elsewhere, regardless of whether the Drew stuff is directly related.

On a personal level, I have met many evangelicals who I think are legitimately kind as they understand that word, but they no NOT fuck with any unorthodoxy.

They ones that come to my mind are:

Goldspot, Vaness, Pen Chalet, Jet Pens, Birmingham Pens, Amarillo Stationery, Pen Boutique, Anderson Pens, Cult Pens, Endless Pens, Enigma Stationery,

Lots of options.

I know for me personally, my response stops at awareness and taking my business elsewhere.

And yeah, of course share the buys! I wouldn't even necessarily fault someone for deciding that they're comfortable enough with the Goulets' track record to decide they can still do business with them. Just not my choice.

For those not inclined to watch, here's a selection from the transcript:

[Brian]We would never judge someone for who they are we simply do not agree with anyone who does um we firmly believe that all people should be treated with dignity compassion and love and be embraced for who they are and that absolutely includes the LGTBQ+ community.

[Rachel]Brian and I are having ongoing conversations with each other within our company and within our church community to ensure that we all do our part to continue fostering a safe and welcoming environment for every member of the community customers and employees alike.

Notably present: Denials that they hate anyone or would treat people with disrespect, specifically including the LGBTQ+ community.

Notably absent: Any serious suggestion that they will leave this church.

Take it for what you will. I dunno. I doubt they're different people than they were two weeks ago. They're certainly not frothing-at-the-mouth old school homophobes, but when you fundamentally, deeply believe that your God considers certain lifestyles are sinful, your brand of inclusion can feel hollow and calculated.

Too much for me to unpack, and shame on anybody who thought they knew well enough to threaten them (if that happened), but they also need to acknowledge that placing faith, especially politically active American Evangelical Christianity, at the forefront of their brand might eventually affect their perception among segments of their customer base.