Arts & Entertainment
Starbucks holiday cup sparks social media buzz over lesbian hands theory
speculation started after the company released its seasonal commercial
Great new #christmas campaign from @Starbucks featuring #lesbian couple on the Holiday Cup. pic.twitter.com/GJ6YGG0fGQ
— Rufus Dowling (@rufusdowling) November 13, 2017
Starbucks’ annual holiday cups are causing controversy once again, but this time the scandal involves two people holding hands.
The rest of the pair’s bodies aren’t shown on the cup, which features other holiday doodles like a Christmas tree and presents, leading some people to speculate they are the hands of a lesbian couple.
The theory may have started from Starbucks’ holiday commercial which appears to feature a lesbian couple sharing a cup of coffee and leaning in for a kiss. Social media started to connect the dots and theorized that the hand-holding couple on the cup is the same from the commercial.
Hey social media, are the “Christians” bitching about @Starbucks red cup & inclusive message yet? PS, I’m going w/the hand holders are gay ? pic.twitter.com/eDrwEIenHt
— Krista ? (@durantigger) November 1, 2017
While some people were excited about the possible inclusion, others weren’t happy that Starbucks may have put a lesbian couple on the cup.
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
The speculation increased when the coffee company appeared to confirm the holding hands are a same-sex couple on Twitter. One user tweeted Starbucks calling the cups “great” for including a lesbian couple.
“We’re happy you enjoy the new campaign, Rufus,” Starbucks tweeted back.
We’re happy you enjoy the new campaign, Rufus! ?
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) November 13, 2017
Ultimately, Starbucks is letting customers decide how to interpret the cups.
“This year’s hand-drawn cup features scenes of celebrating with loved ones — whoever they may be,” Sanja Gould, Starbucks’ spokeswoman, said in a statement to the New York Times. “We intentionally designed the cup so our customers can interpret it in their own way, adding their own color and illustrations.”
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
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The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
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The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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