Rainbow Capitalism Strikes Again: Pride Shirts So Bad They're Borderline Homophobic
by Maria Russinovich
As Pride Week here at The Rival comes to an end and with Pride Month on the horizon, those of us in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies might start looking for some prideful shirts to wear all month long. While there are great options for Pride merchandise out in the world, I have decided to hunt down the worst of the worst. Some of these shirts are so heinous that their existence is basically homophobic. So, let’s explore, shall we?
1) Gay Icon Donald J. Trump
We’re starting off strong with an absolute oxymoron of a shirt. While the rainbow flag design behind the text is actually pretty neat, the Trump promo is not. If you want to read more about how former President Trump is homophobic, feel free to read more here… but if you really have to read that article maybe this one isn’t for you…
2) LGBTQ+ Pioneer… J.K. Rowling?
The sentiment behind this shirt is cute and all, but c’mon. Everyone’s least favorite TERF, (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) J.K. Rowling has forfeited her right to any connection to the LGBTQ+ community. I know that this is just a fan-made Harry Potter shirt, but maybe let’s think a little bit deeper on this one.
3) Calling All Graphic Designers
I get what this shirt is trying to say. “Things aren’t always black and white” but when I read this all I hear in my head is “things aren’t always OOOOOOO AND FFFFFF.” Next time just say what you mean because now I’ve got the Roblox “oof” sound rattling around inside my brain.
4) ™
The trademark symbol got me, not going to lie. Like… why? I myself am a victim of bad pride gifts as I’m sure many of you are, but to be trademarked is a whole new doozie of poor pride merchandising. Also, the trademark here would mean that the phrase “the gay cousin” has been trademarked by the US Patent and Trademark office. So, congrats to whoever made this shirt on Redbubble on your new trademark!
5) …
Yeah. I’m just gonna leave this one here.
Now, we’ve seen some pretty bad Pride shirts. But just because I saw a lot of bad shirts didn’t mean I didn’t see any great shirts. I wanted to share my honorable mention for what I think is an incredible Pride shirt.
Honorable Mention:
I friggin’ love the goose from Untitled Goose Game. And to couple this chaotic creature with a beloved phrase within the LGBTQ+ community?! Oh, this one’s a 10/10 for me. Chef’s kiss. My order is on the way now.