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Fans SHOCKED at Universal Orlando’s LGBT Message

Universal Orlando’s support for the LGBT+ community was on full display in a tweet yesterday when they tweeted a rainbow heart with the words “love is universal.” This is not new, Universal has always supported Pride and LGBT+ rights and issues. In fact, Universal Hollywood hosted Pide events years before Disneyland did. Despite this, many seemed surprised by the tweet and felt as though Universal had betrayed them. 

https://twitter.com/UniversalORL/status/1673376327796244490?s=19

The reply section was flooded with comments expressing shock and outrage. Comments like “not you too” and “look at how well this worked out for Bud Lite, Target, and Disney” as well as condemnation of the LGBT+ community as a whole. Some were simply sad while others left comments wondering about the suitability of that message for children. Many of the comments were downright nasty and unsuitable to be published here.  

The shock in replies isn’t surprising. Many felt that because Universal doesn’t speak out as loudly as Disney that they didn’t speak out at all. When Disney began its battle with Ron DeSantis over the Parental Rights in Education Act (dubbed the ” Don’t Say Gay Bill ” by critics) many loyal Disney World passholders jumped ship and became passholders at Universal. In doing so they thought they were giving their money to a company whose values were more aligned with their own. They were incorrect. Universal has been a long-time ally of the gay community. In fact, they’ve donated a potion of their Pride Merchandise proceeds to programs that support LGBT+ youth since at least 2019. 

Universal Orlando pride
Credit: Facebook/Zebra Youth Colition

Opposing comments were the overwhelming majority of replies to the post but many tweeted in agreement to the message Universal put forth. Some were critical of Universal’s quiet support saying that they wished Universal would be more involved. Others just thanked them for their support. Still yet, rather than messages of hope, many comments weren’t addressed to Universal at all but instead sought to insult the commenters that were opposed to the tweet and made assumptions based on stereotypes. 

Lgbtq+ marriage
Credit: NBCUniversal

Pride Month is celebrated every June and most corporations find a way to profit fro….err…express support for the LGBT+ mmunity during the month. In addition to Pride events and charitable donations, Universal has an extensive line of Pride gear for sale in its theme parks and on its website.

 

 

Jill Bivins

Jill Bivins has been visiting Disney Parks since she was 2 years old and loves sharing her Disney adventures with the world. She likes to say Disney is in her blood and writing is in her bones — so any time she has the opportunity to combine these loves she is one happy camper! She has a deep abiding love for Epcot and as a die hard Star Wars fan has a serious love for Hollywood Studios as well. When she isn't exploring or writing about Disney Parks, Jill is homeschooling her 8 year old son, playing with her brand… More »

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