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UK Starbucks ad shows trans teen using new name for the first time

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Image via YouTube.

A new Starbucks ad featuring a transgender boy is making a push for trans acceptance in the UK.

According to LGBTQ Nation, the commercial is part of a partnership with the UK transgender youth organization Mermaids. Part of the coffee chain’s “What’s your name?” campaign, the ad follows a trans teen named James as he goes about his day; we see him being repeatedly called by his deadname – at the doctor’s office, on his student ID card, by family.

At the end of the ad – which won the Channel 4 Diversity Award 2019 – he goes into Starbucks to place an order. The barista asks him his name, and he responds, “It’s James,” as the employee writes it on his cup.

Response to the ad on social media was welcoming. Many transgender people took the opportunity to share stories of their own first time using their name at Starbucks.

On Twitter, @Daniel83522138 commented, “As someone who is trans, I can not express how much this means to me. It may seem like a small thing, but to a trans person it means everything. Thank you Starbucks.”

@Harperexpress posted a picture of her own cup from the first time she used her true name at Starbucks, with the caption, “This was from 2 years ago at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam. It was such a beautifully written confirmation of who I am.”

Another, @remembrancermx, wrote, “I knew the moment my name was said in Starbucks that it was my name & always meant to be my name. I’ve officially changed it now, but still family won’t accept it, & it’s good to know there’s a place it will always be respected.”

Some comments came from family and allies of trans individuals, such as @mimmymum, who commented, “Gorgeous ad! As the parent of a trans son, this put a real lump in my throat.”

Starbucks is also selling limited edition mermaid cookies in an effort to raise up to £100,000 – that’s $130,000 – of funds for Mermaids. The ad will air on television in the UK and online elsewhere in the world.

You can watch it below.

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Bars & Parties

Queer Magic dance party planned

Tarot, dancing, drag and more at Black Cat event

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Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.

There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.

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Out & About

NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade

Local queer journalists celebrate Pride

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(Washington Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)


Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free. 

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Out & About

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday

Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery

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The 14th annual DC Front Runners' Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. 

Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.

The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.

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