Apologies for this late post, I’ve been sick with strep. I feel like I’m back in high school. Apparently, it’s going around…
To be fair, there are times when we have all felt short changed, or that someone else has gotten the upper hand. You found the person sitting next to you on your flight got their ticket for fifty bucks cheaper, or the couple sitting across from you at the restaurant is enjoying complimentary desserts. Just remember, for every time you’ve felt like you’ve gotten the short end of the stick, there’s someone who’s been jealous of you for a benefit you might have received as well.
And why were you trying to get a stick in the first place, let alone wanting the longer end? Hmm, I guess that will be for another blog post.
Most of us chalk it up to timing or luck when either we come upon a free VIP experience, or we witness someone else, get a similar bonus or a discount. This reminds me of when my friend Jose and I went to Disneyland one brisk January morning, and out of all the people who were waiting in line to buy tickets, a man approached the two of us, offering us free early admission tickets that he had won, but could not use. I was skeptical, but he walked with us to the gate, and they were valid tickets, so we paid him (and he only asked for ½ the cost of face value) and proceeded to enjoy our day. Yep, a little luck, and we were given a nice bonus.
But for some people, this is not just luck, it is intentionally biased and is completely unfair. This man who offered me and my friend tickets should have offered them to everyone? Right? If this seems a bit outlandish, I would have to agree.
But unfortunately, a certain Ms. Lynn Evenchik, doesn’t.
Evenchik, who hails from my home state of Arizona
Note - the discount was to members of these organizations, and not just to random gays and lesbians. I just couldn’t see homos going into Avis and saying, “I’m here, I’m queer, and I deserve it cheaper!”
Please, some of us have standards.
Evenchik is now suing Avis on the grounds that the discounts they are giving violate California
Oh lord. Let’s just start with the obvious, shall we?
Once again, the discounts were not given just to anyone based on their sexual orientation. They were given to members of the IGLTA and the NGLCC, both of which are open to anyone with regards to membership – just check their websites. So, Ms. Evenchik (who ironically is a travel agent – thank you linked-in) could easily join the IGLTA or her local chapter of the NGLCC, the GPGLCC – Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – and receive said discount. You do not need to be gay to join either of these groups.
To say that Avis’s choice to give discounts to these groups is discriminatory is the same as saying that it would be discriminatory to offer discounts to members of AAA, AARP, or any other group that often negotiates deals with rental car companies for discounts. All of these are groups open to having Ms. Evenchik apply for membership. Even AARP. (I’ll bet ya!)
Bottom line? I hope Avis counter sues her for legal fees and/or this case is thrown out of court, because it really has no merit, in my humble opinion. No, I’m not an attorney, but you really don’t have to be one to realize the difference between discrimination and ignorance. Ms. Evenchik is simply ignorant as to how these discounts were being offered, and that she has the ability, just as much as anyone else, to get them.
But won’t this be an awkward conversation for Ms. Evenchik at the chamber of commerce monthly mixer? I do hope so.
