#LGBTQ: Trump’s Hampton Fundraiser Stirs Mega-Boycott of Equinox, PureYoga & SoulCycle

If you’re in a major metropolitan city, chances are you have an Equinox gym, maybe several. And, you know, the LGBTQ community supports fitness businesses around the country.

Well, here’s some news: The parent company behind the mega Equinox Fitness Clubs, PureYoga and SoulCycle also is powering Trump’s reelection.

Developer Stephen Ross, chairman of The Related Companies and his jewelry designer wife Kara Ross, is hosting fundraiser for Trump tomorrow in the Hamptons. Related is a real estate company that’s built HUGE developments like the multi-billion dollar Hudson Yards and The Grand in LA

The Rosses will host the more expensive portion of a two-part fundraiser in the Hamptons; the reception follows a lunch at the Bridgehampton estate of New York developer Joe Farrell.

Invitation to the other Hamptons’ event hosted by real estate developer, Joe Farrell

Equinox has sold itself frequently as an LGBTQ ally, partnering with the House Ballroom community and supporting charities like House Lives Matter to assist marginalized sexual and gender minorities.

And, according to Advocate,

Trump has his own history with the LGBTQ community that includes stripping Obama-era protections in schools for trans youth and banning transgender troops from military service. The president publicly came out against the Equality Act and same-sex marriage, amid other outwardly hostile stances toward the LGBTQ community.
Granted, Trump also promised to bring about an end to the AIDS crisis (but fired his entire HIV/AIDS panel without explanation before rebuilding a new committee) and opposed the mass murder of LGBTQ individuals in a speech at the Republican National Convention (before scrubbing all mention of LGBTQ people from the White House website).

If you feel betrayed (I do) maybe it’s time to use our biggest defense against corporate giants. Our money.

Here’s a (partial) list of companies that are owned by, or affiliated, with The Related Companies.

Equinox
VaynerMedia
Bluestone Lane Coffee
Momofuku
Blink Fitness
Milkbar
&pizza
RSE Ventures
PUREyoga
Soulcycle
Dog City
CORE
Resy
Pocket Living
Snark Park

A spokesperson for Equinox and SoulCycle issued the following statement:

“Neither Equinox nor SoulCycle have anything to do with the event later this week and do not support it. As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians. We are committed to all our members and the communities we live in. We believe in tolerance and equality, and will always stay true to those values. Mr. Ross is a passive investor and is not involved in the management of either business.”

So, some may say, there are people whose livelihoods depend on jobs from these mega-corporations. What are they supposed to do quit? Well, that’s up to the person, but if our political voices are going to be heard, we have to vote with our pocketbooks too, right? It’s not a direct correlation, because the companies can’t use their profits for political contributions, but their parent companies’ owners’ donations ARE WORKING AGAINST OUR COMMUNITY.

You can’t just bitch on Facebook and expect real change.

I DO know an employee of one of the brands owned by Related who went on Facebook and urged people to BOYCOTT the company he works for!

In the last election cycle, Ross was among the top 200 political donors in the country, according to transparency website Open Secrets, giving more than $452,000 to political candidates and parties nationwide.