(OPINION) PetSmart became the latest company to face public backlash over its marketing in line with the LGBTQ agenda. The company released a new line of LGBTQ-themed products, including dog bikinis, butterfly cat leashes, and costumes for reptiles with capes. Some posted photographs of the LGBTQ marketing on social media. Others pointed out that PetSmart has carried similar products since at least 2019.
What the ABSOLUTE IDIOCY is this????!! @PetSmart seriously….I turned around and left! And before someone calls me a #phobe do I advertise my sexuality on my pet?!
This is stupid and alienating…. pic.twitter.com/LPxlTOkcBUAdvertisement
— tangot296 (@tangot296) May 28, 2023
The company said in its announcement for Pride Month that it was also making a $200,000 donation to GLSEN, an LGBTQ advocacy group. GLSEN has been criticized by many on the right for its extremist advocacy for radicalizing public school teachers and forcing sexualization into public school curricula. It has also been the source of many drag queen events at public school student clubs.
The current rash of boycotts appeared to begin with Bud Light’s celebration of a transgender TikTok influencer’s transitioning from a man to a woman. Sales in the U.S. have dropped precipitously and eroded billions from the company’s stock valuation.
Next to be criticized was the decision by the Los Angeles Dodgers to award their “Community Heroes” honor to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group that performs blasphemous events meant to mock and deride Christians and Catholics.
A KTLA-TV anchor made fun of the boycott on Wednesday while laughing at products “for your gender-fluid fish” at the store. “Now some people say, you know, no dog is straight or gay, except for my labrador growing up named Max, who … loved all dogs regardless of gender, and people’s legs, park benches, even a PowerWheels 4×4,” said Andy Riesmeyer
