A thank-you from Hallmark

In August, I wrote about four new greeting cards from Hallmark designed to celebrate same-sex weddings or commitment ceremonies.

The move, of course, prompted a boycott from the usual array of self-styled "pro-family" groups. (I guess there's a limit to being "pro-family." Apparently, gay and lesbian families need not apply.)

To show my support for the company and to counterbalance the bigots, I sent a thank-you card to Hallmark's CEO. I thanked him for the company's inclusive stance and said that I would be buying Hallmark products whenever possible.

This week, I got a letter from Hallmark thanking me, which I think is kind of nice. It said, in part, "It is our goal to be inclusive rather than exclusive so that our products appeal to the widest range of people who wish to communicate and connect with one another."

I didn't realize this, but Hallmark makes more than 20,000 greeting cards - including ones for unmarried heterosexual couples, mixed-race or interfaith relationships and blended families "so people in each of these situations can find cards that meet their needs."

I don't know how many letters Hallmark had to send to people who protested the new cards but I think that those of us who support equality and inclusiveness are sometimes too quiet about it. Whereas people who feel the other way never seem to get tired of making their views known. I'm glad I wrote to Hallmark and I'm glad someone at the company responded. At least I know that I got through.

Kudos to Hallmark

This is a nice example of progress the American way - through the marketplace. Hallmark has a launched a new line of greeting cards designed to celebrate same-sex weddings. (The language inside will be neutral enough so that they can also be used for commitment ceremonies).

In addition to a card with two tuxedos on the cover, which I think is adorable, they also have ones that say "Partners in live and love," and "Two hearts. One promise." I pride myself on picking the perfect greeting card, so I can't wait until I have an occasion to send one!

The company added the cards after California joined Massachusetts as the only two states to permit gay marriage. "It's our goal to be as relevant as possible to as many people as we can," Hallmark spokeswoman Sarah Gronberg Kolell said.

The company said it made the move in response to consumer demand. The cards are being rolled out gradually this summer and will be widely available next year.

Of course, the bigots have already launched a boycott. No surprise there. In response, I will now be buying Hallmark products whenever I can, to show my support for the company. Maybe I can send someone there a thank-you card? Update: the blog Down with Tyranny suggests doing exactly that. (Just for good measure, you can buy a box of Crayola crayons, also owned by Hallmark, and use them to inscribe the card!) Here's the address:

Donald J. Hall, Chairman
Hallmark Cards Inc.
2501 McGee Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64108

And here are some fun facts about Hallmark:

In 1917, company founder Joyce C. Hall and his brother, Rollie, invented modern wrapping paper when they ran out of colored tissue paper.

The Hallmark name refers to a symbol used by goldsmiths in London in the 14th century.

The slogan "When you care enough to send the very best," adopted in 1944, was created by a salesman who scribbled it on a cocktail napkin, which is now on display at company headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.