No matter what year it may be, it just seems like Starbucks can't escape a holiday season these without some controversy regarding their themed coffee chalices. This season, the latest Starbucks cup controversy was stirred up because people believe that the hands featured on the cup design belong to a lesbian couple.
Photo courtesy of Starbucks
Buzzfeed's Vanessa Wong went in on the theory, even confirming with a co-worker that how the hands are holding each other is akin to how same-sex lovebirds hold hands. Adding fuel to that fire, Starbucks's promo video for the new holiday drinking vessels does briefly include a lesbian couple, which you can see below.
Many people have also been pointing out what Buzzfeed spotted regarding the hands, taking to Twitter to let the world know about it.
Great new #christmas campaign from @Starbucks featuring #lesbian couple on the Holiday Cup. pic.twitter.com/GJ6YGG0fGQ
— Rufus Dowling (@rufusdowling) November 13, 2017
me: I hate the commodification of the lgbtq+ community and pride starbucks: lesbian xmas cups me: starbucks is an honourary lesbian??????
— lauryn ❄️ (@laurynbaldie) November 5, 2017
Oh, our Christmas cups aren't Christmasy enough for you?
HERE, HAVE SOME LESBIANS! ?️?https://t.co/Xv5JqiWJbY
BAAAAAH HA HA HA HA! I❤️#Starbucks. — Jennanik is getting too old for this shit. (@Jennanik) November 17, 2017
Of course, with those who support the apparent LGBT-friendly message of Starbucks's holiday campaign also comes the critics...
@Starbucks I've never had your overpriced coffee... and I never will. Lesbian holiday cups? Really? >barf<
— Karla Hartman (@karlaannhartman) November 17, 2017
Overpriced, disgusting coffee & overpriced carbohydrates to go with it. I'd rather have my own coffee & I don't need fancy flavors either. It's coffee. Enjoy it 4 what it is. Starbucks' holiday lesbian cups R latest attention grabbing.
— M McGlone (@mmcgl2) November 17, 2017
...as well as those laughing over the entire matter.
How hard could @Starbucks be "pushing" anything if practically NO ONE knew what was going on. And even if it is supposed to represent 2 lesbian hands, WHO CARES? It's a design on a disposable coffee cup! https://t.co/f4vCFevgaD
— (p)Resident Clown (@4YearNightmare) November 17, 2017
Starbucks brings me the gift of political correctness every year and I die laughing at how upset people get over it ????
First, “Happy Holidays” was an issue and now they’re mad about “Lesbian Hands” on the cups. ???? — Jesus Heist®?? (@ChocoLatino_) November 16, 2017
As for Starbucks, they haven't confirmed or denied whether the hands belong to a lesbian couple or not. "Each year during the holidays we aim to bring our customers an experience that inspires the spirit of the season, and we will continue to embrace and welcome customers from all backgrounds and religions in our stores around the world," a statement from the coffee empire reads.
