(Background, for those who don't know already...)
I run a small sole proprietorship in Vancouver, Canada -- a webdesign/webhosting business named DykeTech.com. It is so named because I am queer, and very out about it -- I write a regular column for 60,000 LGBT newspaper readers. Many of my clients are also queer, and all are queer-friendly.
I have happily been using PayPal for transactions for a few years now -- and they have just suspended my account, as far as I can figure, for having the word "dyke" in dyketech.com.
It's "adult or pornographic in nature", they say.
I will find a payment processor which evidences less homophobia. Watch this space for details.
-Elaine
Update: (July 5th, 2005)
I've just signed up with these folks, who seem nice enough, and didn't balk at my queer little self...
Update: (July 6, 2005)
I'm set up and running, and can again accept payments and donations.
http://dyketech.com/payment.php
Now I just have to continue waiting (and waiting) for PayPal to answer my queries about my account.
As bonus fun, apparently I face a waiting period of up to 6 months to reclaim the funds in my account. Way to go, PayPal.
-E
Addendum: July 28, 2004
Woo! Looks like I'm not the only one who's been grumpy about PayPal keeping my money for no good reason.
https://paypal.com/settlement/
Posted by Elaine at July 2, 2004 11:03 AM