Bud Light, along with other notable brands like Old Navy, Toyota, and Coca-Cola USA, decided to sponsor an all-ages event in Flagstaff, Arizona, for Pride Month called “Pride in the Pines.”
This announcement comes amidst falling sales and negative press coverage related to Bud Light’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Family Festival Event Featuring Drag Queens Sparks Controversy
The event, advertised as a “family festival event” and a safe space for all visitors, is scheduled for June 17.
It will feature a variety of performers, including drag queens. The festival is part of the wider celebrations of Pride Month, which honors the LGBTQ+ community and promotes visibility, acceptance, and rights.
Bud Light is co-sponsoring an all ages drag show. I would tell everyone to stop buying their beer, but everyone is already doing that. pic.twitter.com/ZbtmrvCW9w
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) June 8, 2023
As more companies recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity, many are sponsoring and participating in Pride Month events.
However, such partnerships can sometimes lead to controversy and backlash, particularly from those who disagree with the values or causes being promoted.
As part of Pride Month, many events involving drag performers and family-friendly Pride parades are taking place across the United States, including in Flagstaff, Arizona, West Hollywood, California, and Dallas, Texas.
Yet, some of these events have caused controversy, due to explicit content.
Graphic BDSM Acts at West Hollywood Pride Parade Spark Debate
In Flagstaff, the Northern Arizona Pride Association listed “all gender forms” and “No Nudity-City Ordinance” as part of their event regulations.
Initially, it was announced that Bud Light was a sponsor, but a corrected promotional poster was later released indicating that Bud Light was not involved. The confusion over Bud Light’s involvement remains unclear.
Bud Light is co-sponsoring an 'all-ages' drag show party 'Safe space' 'family festival event'
The Northern Arizona Pride Association lists a 'No Nudity-City Ordinance' for 'all gender forms' as one of the regulations for the event.
All the more reason not to support AB anymore. pic.twitter.com/nbolApF2Zi— DrTC (@trchampion) June 7, 2023
In West Hollywood, a video from a family-friendly Pride parade showing men engaging in graphic BDSM acts went viral, leading to debate and controversy.
Similarly, in Dallas, a Pride festival was criticized for selling sexually explicit merchandise, including sex toys and graphic Disney fan art.
Additionally, Six Flags amusement parks in several states, including Texas, New Jersey, and Missouri, announced they will host drag shows in honor of Pride Month.
These instances reflect the ongoing debate about what content is appropriate for all-ages events and the importance of setting clear boundaries for event participants.
Critics argue that explicit sexual content is not suitable for children, while others believe such openness is part of the spirit of Pride Month, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
This article appeared in Right Wing Insider and has been published here with permission.
