During Subaru’s 14-year history with the gay and lesbian communities, the company has cultivated an unwavering, authentic relationship with key external stakeholders. While Ford Motor Company has also partnered with the gay and lesbian communities for over a decade, its track record is troubled. Ford was entangled in a 2005-06 battle over gay advertising with two opposing stakeholders: the conservative American Family Association (AFA) and numerous gay organizations. Despite its gay-friendly outreach, Ford handled the boycott in a secretive, indirect manner that led to many questions – from both stakeholder groups. To understand why Ford was.
