Human Rights Campaign Ditches Sponsorship of Israel's Genocide Enabler, Northrop Grumman
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ organizations, has severed ties with two defense contractors, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, amid accusations that these companies profit from Israel's atrocities in Gaza. The move comes after years of pressure from queer activists and Palestinian solidarity groups.
In a statement released by the Gender Liberation Movement and Adalah Justice Project, HRC announced it would no longer accept funding from Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, citing "pinkwashing" - a term used to describe the use of LGBTQ+ advocacy to distract from human rights abuses. The decision is seen as a significant shift in HRC's stance on issues related to Palestine.
The move has been hailed by pro-Palestine groups who have long accused HRC and other organizations of being complicit in Israel's genocide through their financial ties with defense contractors.
"We cannot prioritize proximity to power over the well-being of our people," said a spokesperson for the Gender Liberation Movement and Adalah Justice Project. "Freedom, equality, and justice for queer and trans siblings here can only be achieved when we collectively confront the systems that are harming communities everywhere."
HRC had faced growing criticism from pro-Palestine groups in recent months, with many activists calling for the organization to end its financial ties with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. In February 2024, protesters outside HRC's annual gala condemned the group's sponsorship of Northrop Grumman.
The move is seen as a significant victory for pro-Palestine groups who have long argued that organizations like HRC are complicit in Israel's human rights abuses through their financial ties with defense contractors.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ organizations, has severed ties with two defense contractors, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, amid accusations that these companies profit from Israel's atrocities in Gaza. The move comes after years of pressure from queer activists and Palestinian solidarity groups.
In a statement released by the Gender Liberation Movement and Adalah Justice Project, HRC announced it would no longer accept funding from Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, citing "pinkwashing" - a term used to describe the use of LGBTQ+ advocacy to distract from human rights abuses. The decision is seen as a significant shift in HRC's stance on issues related to Palestine.
The move has been hailed by pro-Palestine groups who have long accused HRC and other organizations of being complicit in Israel's genocide through their financial ties with defense contractors.
"We cannot prioritize proximity to power over the well-being of our people," said a spokesperson for the Gender Liberation Movement and Adalah Justice Project. "Freedom, equality, and justice for queer and trans siblings here can only be achieved when we collectively confront the systems that are harming communities everywhere."
HRC had faced growing criticism from pro-Palestine groups in recent months, with many activists calling for the organization to end its financial ties with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. In February 2024, protesters outside HRC's annual gala condemned the group's sponsorship of Northrop Grumman.
The move is seen as a significant victory for pro-Palestine groups who have long argued that organizations like HRC are complicit in Israel's human rights abuses through their financial ties with defense contractors.
. But now it seems like they're finally listening to those activists who were calling them out for their ties with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon 
. I mean, I get it, Israel's been through some tough times in Gaza... but it feels like HRC is just playing catch-up 
. Still, I guess you can't argue with the fact that pro-Palestine groups have been pushing for this change for a while now 
. It'll be interesting to see how HRC's stance on Palestine evolves from here 
.
. I mean, can you blame them for being upset? It's like, HRC is supposed to be all about equality and justice, but if they're profiting from companies that enable Israel's atrocities, then what are they even doing? It's not cool when organizations use LGBTQ+ advocacy as a way to cover up their own flaws 
. I'm glad they're finally listening to the queer community and acknowledging that some of these companies' actions are super problematic 
. Now, if only our school's administration would listen to us about the lack of diversity in our curriculum... 
. It's about time they realized that pinkwashing is not okay 
. These two companies, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, have been getting rich off of war and oppression, while queer folks are still fighting for equality and justice 
.
. Meanwhile, HRC has been raking it in from these same companies, with an estimated annual revenue of around $25 million 
.
! 
This is about time someone called out HRC on this... they were basically profiting off the suffering of others while pretending to care about LGBTQ+ issues. 
. This move might be a PR win for them, but what about all the good work they do for LGBTQ+ rights? Can't they just keep doing that while still advocating for human rights everywhere? 
I mean, what's next? Are we gonna have to start boycotting our favorite food brands because they sell to companies that make tanks? 
. I'm trying to have a conversation about this article and everyone is already getting salty 
. Can't we all just agree to disagree without it turning into a flame war? 
. I mean, how can you claim to be an ally to marginalized communities when your funding comes from companies that enable genocide? 
Not only is it pinkwashing, but it's also just basic human decency 
. Still, good on 'em for finally listening to their members and doing the right thing 
.