Citing Chick-fil-A, Two LGBT Groups Split with NH Pride Fest

Two LGBT groups from Massachusetts have withdrawn from the NH Pride Fest this Saturday, citing what they called the event organizer’s promotion of the Chick-fil-A brand.

Their decision, announced Thursday, is related to the owner of the Chick-fil-A in Nashua expressing support for NH Pride Fest and his donation of food for the event at Veterans Park in Manchester.

NH Pride Fest does not in any way support Chick-fil-A, according to its board. But they do support Anthony Picolia, the franchise owner, who will hand out 200 free chicken sandwiches Saturday, according to Bryan Manseau, NH Pride Fest director.

Manseau, in a phone interview with Nashua Patch, said the Chick-fil-A owner is one of about 29 vendors for Pride Fest, where he expects a crowd of 2,000. He said he spoke with representatives of the groups withdrawing from the event, but could not settle their differences of opinion.

NH Pride Fest members see the Nashua restaurant owner as a local hero for speaking out, not as a foot soldier of a corporation that supports policies they find discriminatory.