Ruth Vernotico, publisher of the LGBTQ+ focused SUS Magazine, experienced discrimination at Sisters Coffee Company when they attempted to display the magazine featuring a queer DJ duo on the cover. The owner's reaction, suggesting the magazines might be used for kindling, caused an outcry from the local queer community. A cafe employee resigned in response to the incident and the company's handling of the situation. Despite the backlash and calls for more inclusive actions, Sisters Coffee Company has maintained that the rejection was due to a policy of displaying only two local newspapers, not anti-LGBTQ+ bias. The company's apology and response have been criticized as insufficient by community members, who continue to call for a more authentic support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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