Who is Robby Starbuck? This is the anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy theorist convincing companies to drop DEI

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The anti-DEI movement sweeping corporations is being pushed by a man who believes that chemicals turn children LGBTQ+ and the COVID-19 vaccine caused Matthew Perry's death.

Corporations are basing their policies off the words of a man who believes that chemicals turn children LGBTQ+ and the COVID-19 vaccine caused Matthew Perry's death.

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Robby Starbuck, a failed filmmaker turned failed congressional candidate, has been one of the loudest conservative voices targeting companies for their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He began zeroing in on farming corporations in June by directing his 520,000 X followers to boycott Tractor Supply over its LGBTQ+ resources.

“It’s time to expose Tractor Supply,” Starbuck said, listing grievances such as “LGBTQIA+ training for employees, funding pride/drag events, a DEI Council, funding sex changes, climate change activism, Pride month decorations in the office, DEI hiring practices, and LGBTQIA+ events at work.”

Starbuck accused the company’s CEO Hal Lawton of promoting “woke priorities” that do not align with Tractor Supply’s customer base, then urged his followers to contact Tractor Supply’s corporate office and make their opposition known.

Tractor Supply announced days later that it would dismantle all DEI efforts, and removed all DEI-related content from its website. The company wrote in itsstatement: “We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart."

Starbuck shortly afterward targeted John Deere, releasing a video slamming its “LGBTQ and race based” employee resources. He demanded the company end DEI efforts “entirely” and stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index. John Deere later announced that it would no longer be supporting “social or cultural awareness” efforts.