How has current legislation affected Birnbaum & Bullock?
RB: We knew a patternmaker from France who we tried to sponsor into this country. He was in a relationship with an American man for 10 years, but since their relationship was not recognized, the only way that he could stay in the U.S. was to be here on a student visa. As he was not a student, we were denied our request and he was deported. His relationship with his partner ended after the stress became too much to endure, and we lost a valuable potential asset. What are some of the ways your company finds to support the GLBT community? What are your thoughts on the issue of marriage equality? RB: We have made a conscious effort to choose the companies we purchase from. This is a way for us to support other gay and gay friendly owned businesses and help keep them surviving and strong. Also, Birnbaum & Bullock offers a paid internship each year for students of the Fashion High School. Some of the students we have helped mold into mindful, ambitious adults and have exposed them to positiv
