Candy brand Skittles has recently partnered with GLAAD, introducing packaging with the message “Black Trans Lives Matter” and sparking a backlash from concerned consumers.
This collaboration marks the fourth consecutive year that Skittles has worked alongside GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) with the aim to “support the LGBTQ+ community by amplifying and celebrating their stories,” as per the information available on Skittles’ official website.
In the past, Skittles had introduced Pride Packs that were all-gray, symbolizing the brand’s consistent support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, this year, the brand decided to take a different route. Instead of the usual rainbow-colored packets or the monochrome design of the previous years, Skittles released a series of limited edition Pride Packs. These packs included designs from five LGBTQ+ artists, each interpreting and representing how they “see the rainbow” in their daily lives. Among these designs, one featured the phrase ‘express urself,’ and another prominently displayed the text ‘Black Trans Lives Matter.’
“Skittles is trying to turn your kids into BLM & LGBTQ+ activists. Their packaging also features a drag queen. Skittles have gone completely woke,” remarked the popular X, formerly Twitter, account Libs of TikTok.
“We should transition Skittles to broke,” said film director and failed congressional candidate Robby Starbuck in response to Libs of TikTok.
“Yes…There is a DRAG QUEEN on a skittles package,” wrote Blaze TV host Chad Prather. Unless they are trying to get your kids to turn into LGBTQ/BLM activists…what’s the point of this? They’re coming after your children.”
James David Dickson, host of “Four Minute Offense,” had a different take, emphasizing the poor nutritional quality of Skittles candy.
“As if anyone needed a reason to not let their kid eat Skittles Parents, I need you to reflect on this moment. You fed your kid garbage, and that didn’t bother you until you didn’t like the animation on the package,” Dickson wrote.
Despite the new designs, the standard Skittle packaging remains available in stores. The Pride Pack series is currently accessible at select retail locations. Justin Hollyn-Taub, Skittles senior director, in a statement released last year during the Pride Pack announcement, emphasized the brand’s dedication toward championing for the LGBTQ+ community.
“While Pride Month is a time to reflect, self-educate and celebrate, we know that long-term sustained support and allyship is key in building a more inclusive and diverse society,” Hollyn-Taub said.
Furthermore, for each Pride Pack purchase, Skittles commits to donating one dollar, up to a maximum of $100,000, towards GLAAD’s initiatives and programs designed to counter ostensible discrimination.
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