Oreo launches rainbow-coloured biscuits to celebrate LGBT+ families – but not everyone is impressed

Oct 12 2020
Written by Lily Wakefield

The rainbow Oreos were created in partnership with PFLAG. (Oreo)

Rainbow Oreos have been launched to highlight a campaign celebrating parents who support their LGBT+ children – but not everyone is pleased.

The limited edition Oreo Rainbow Cookies have been released in celebration of LGBT+ History Month (October in the US), and were created in partnership with PFLAG National, which supports LGBT+ people and their parents and families.

Although the cookies were branded a “rainbow capitalism moment” by many, Oreo revealed that the Pride-themed biscuits won’t be available to buy, and will only be gifted to those who perform “acts of allyship for the LGBTQ+ community”.

On National Coming Out Day (October 11), the official Oreo Twitter account posted Oreos in the shades of various Pride flags to educate their Twitter followers.

We’re celebrating #NationalComingOutDay with the different LGBTQ+ flags. Have questions about the flags? Ask and our friends at @PFLAG can help answer them! pic.twitter.com/ZHVnIJ6YpP

— OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 11, 2020

The Pansexual pride flag consists of three horizontal stripes: one pink, one yellow, and one light blue. pic.twitter.com/maJtYWprKg— OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 11, 2020

But they soon came under fire after they appeared to forget the lesbian flag.

.@Oreo hey i appreciate the education on what colors the pride flags are but where the Fuck is the lesbian flag<3
its literally the first letter of the acronym HOW IS IT ALWAYS MISSING— ✖️✖️ (@GR5NDS0N) October 11, 2020

is the big discourse today SERIOUSLY oreos not including the lesbian flag in some blatant rainbow capitalism— ᅟ (@tweefuck_) October 11, 2020

Four hours later, the lesbian Pride flag Oreos finally made an appearance.

One Twitter user wrote: “Oreos adding the lesbian flag after we ratioed them in their mentions is proof that bullying works, good job lesbians.”

“I think Oreo is legally obligated to give every lesbian ever a free pack of lesbian Oreos for making them wait an additional four hours,” said another.

oreos adding the lesbian flag after we ratioed them in their mentions is proof that bullying works good job lesbians pic.twitter.com/7cjYEBx3gX

— amin (@twsdeku) October 11, 2020

i think oreo is legally obligated to give every lesbian ever a free pack of lesbian oreos for making them wait an additional 4 hours https://t.co/CnIzURPkFD— ًessie (@heevamps) October 11, 2020

Oreo launches advert showing father’s journey towards accepting queer daughter.

Alongside the launch of the rainbow biscuits, Oreo has produced a heartwarming short film showing a father’s journey to accept his queer daughter and her partner, and “championing the notion that a loving world starts with a loving home”.

A loving world starts with a loving home. Watch OREO's new film #ProudParent— OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 8, 2020

LGBT+ allies have been taking to social media to share their “Proud Parent” moments in response to the Oreo campaign.

One “proud parent and pastor” shared a photo of himself next to a sign at his church which reads: “God loves you just the way she made you. Happy Pride.”

Another parent shared a photo of her young son playing with pink toys, and wrote: “At this age, being supportive means not pushing stereotypes and letting them love what they love so they’ll feel comfortable loving who they want later in life!”

The mother of a gay teenager shared a photo of the rainbow necklace she wears, and wrote: “I am an ally to my son who came out at eighth grade graduation.

“He expected tears, but I had nothing but the biggest hug for him. Being a teen is hard, being a gay teen may be harder, but my son is the epitome of strength and courage. I wear this proudly!”