The annual market value of gay purchasing power in America is an estimated $610 billion, according to advertising agency Prime Access, ABC News writes (via MediaBuyerPlanner). And it grew more than 28 percent last year, as advertisers realized it's a lucrative market they can't afford to ignore. But some companies have found themselves smack in the middle of a political debate about gay rights.

Ford, for example, has recently had the American Family Association threatening to boycott the company based on the automotive company's advertisements in certain gay publications.

But corporations have to "play to the largest audience," said Howard Buford, chief executive of Prime Access. He said that while there is always a significant layer of politics, "from a corporate point of view, there is a very clear business case to be made."