Another holiday season, another Starbucks controversy.
It seems the coffee company can’t go one winter without angering people because of their holiday cups.
Last year it was because the cups were green, this year it’s because they feature an anonymous couple holding hands who may or may not be gay. The outrage.
There’s perhaps credence to the idea (and if so, hurray!) – their seasonal advert this year features a lesbian couple.
Regardless, however, it’s impossible to state one way or another the sexuality of the hand-holding couple on the cup. Which is what makes this year’s ‘controversy’ so particularly absurd.
Great new #christmas campaign from @Starbucks featuring #lesbian couple on the Holiday Cup. pic.twitter.com/GJ6YGG0fGQ
— Rufus Dowling (@rufusdowling) November 13, 2017
Some, though, are staunch in their stance against Starbucks. And yet again, there’s a call to boycott the company.
Ban Starbucks for not supporting everyone and pushing one idealism upon us all! Just another Progressive Liberal company owner pushing their divisive agenda upon everyone who is not a liberal or may disagree with gay lifestyle. Let Liberals buy the cool aid from Starbucks! Ban!
— Michael Crowell (@Michael22973515) November 17, 2017
The new Starbucks cup has lesbian couple on it. Rom 1:26 “because of this,God gave them over to shameful lust”…
— Jimmy H Peralez (@h_peralez) November 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/KENNEDY__FOX/status/931538994227220483
I spent an average of $100 to $125 per week at Starbucks (I know, I know crazy…) but as of about a year ago I decided to #BoycottStarbucks – I don't miss it AT ALL !! I still drink alot of coffee…there are other & even better options! https://t.co/iBNRzVBHwH
— Day Gardner (@day_gardner) November 16, 2017
How about we just #BoycottStarbucks These cups denigrate women and little girls. Don’t take your daughter to #Starbucks
— Dr. Rich Swier (@drrichswier) November 17, 2017
On the other hand, some are pointing out the ridiculousness of this whole conversation. Oh, and the Keurig controversy too.
I can’t tell the genders of the people holding hands, on this cup, could be an abomination, better not risk it. 🤣
— Linda Edgar (@syboneze) November 12, 2017
As is holiday tradition, conservatives are furious at Starbucks for their annual holiday cups. Too bad they just smashed all their Keurigs! 😂
— God (@thegoodgodabove) November 17, 2017
Imagine being so fragile that the Starbucks winter cup design is your number one issue with the world right now.
— Cecil Baldwin (@CecilBaldwinIII) November 17, 2017
And then, finally, there are those of us fully embracing the ‘gay agenda’.
I'm going to be buying tons of Starbucks if indeed their cups are pushing the gay agenda.
— Christian Kiefer | Warren 2020 (@xiankiefer) November 17, 2017
So can I check off "Ruin Christmas with Starbucks cups" on my Gay Agenda? pic.twitter.com/T13hMnJtJc
— 🧈MeltLikeButta🧈 (@JWButta) November 17, 2017
I’m onboard with Starbucks’ gay holiday agenda.
— Librarian to the Stars (@HalpernAlex) November 17, 2017
I read a thing last night about how the Starbucks cups are pushing the gay agenda because the mittened hands featured are clearly two women, and they're holding hands. I guess the secret's out. Sometimes queer women have hands, and sometimes we wear mittens.
— Monica (@lesbiyinzer) November 17, 2017
I never wanted to lick another man's balls quite as badly as I have since those Starbucks happy holidays cups pushin the gay agenda came out
— brendan kelly and the wandering birds (@badsandwich) November 17, 2017
Of course, they could always be gayer.
I just saw someone saying the Starbucks holiday cup is pushing the gay agenda. If there is not two dudes fucking on that cup, I am going to be disappointed in Starbucks.
— Bruja Mala (@Robo_Ally) November 17, 2017
Starbucks’ past LGBTI support
Starbucks is a company known for supporting LGBTI rights.
This year, they flew a rainbow flag over their headquarters for Seattle Pride.
Last year, for London pride, they made rainbow latte art.
So I suppose if I had to guess, I’m definitely going with the gay agenda theory. And making sure I get my Starbucks this weekend.
They also provided a vague comment to BuzzFeed about all the bah humbug:
Each year during the holidays we aim to bring our customers an experience that inspires the spirit of the season, and we will continue to embrace and welcome customers from all backgrounds and religions in our stores around the world