Peppa Pig, the beloved children’s animation, has recently faced a wave of bigoted and anti-LGBTQ+ comments after the show’s official Instagram account shared a post in celebration of Pride Month. The post, featuring Peppa and her family in front of a rainbow, aimed to spread love and inclusivity. However, homophobes quickly flooded the comment section, expressing concerns about exposing children to LGBTQ+ individuals.
The backlash against Peppa Pig’s Pride Month post was fueled by remarks such as, “Not with Peppa,” and assertions that children should be shielded from knowledge of LGBTQ+ existence. Ironically, the critics seemed to overlook the fact that the program itself showcases diverse parental relationships among its characters. Despite the onslaught of negativity, many fans of the show stood up in support, commending Peppa Pig for its inclusivity and making all types of families feel valued.
In a display of solidarity, Jon Holmes, founder of LGBT+ Sports Media, and freelance journalist, expressed gratitude towards Peppa Pig for celebrating diversity and wrote, “Thank you Peppa, fam and friends – our nephews love the show and that makes us very proud guncles! Happy Pride.” While some followers expressed concern about the future generation, others voiced appreciation for the show’s efforts in embracing their families.
Peppa Pig’s encounter with queerphobic comments reflects a broader trend of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric aimed at brands supporting the community. Several major companies, including Bud Light, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Adidas, and Starbucks, have faced significant backlash for featuring Pride-related products or incorporating LGBTQ+ people in their marketing campaigns. Bud Light, in particular, endured a vicious campaign of transphobic hate following a collaboration with trans influencers, leading to substantial financial consequences for its parent company, Anheuser-Busch.
As the controversy continues, Hasbro, the company that owns Peppa Pig, has been approached for comment regarding the incident. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for inclusivity and acceptance in various spheres of society, including children’s media.