Arts & Entertainment

Starbucks holiday cup sparks social media buzz over lesbian hands theory

speculation started after the company released its seasonal commercial

Published

7 years ago

November 21, 2017

Great new #christmas campaign from @Starbucks featuring #lesbian couple on the Holiday Cup. pic.twitter.com/GJ6YGG0fGQ

— Rufus Dowling (@rufusdowling) November 13, 2017

Starbucks’ annual holiday cups are causing controversy once again, but this time the scandal involves two people holding hands.

The rest of the pair’s bodies aren’t shown on the cup, which features other holiday doodles like a Christmas tree and presents, leading some people to speculate they are the hands of a lesbian couple.

The theory may have started from Starbucks’ holiday commercial which appears to feature a lesbian couple sharing a cup of coffee and leaning in for a kiss. Social media started to connect the dots and theorized that the hand-holding couple on the cup is the same from the commercial.

Hey social media, are the “Christians” bitching about @Starbucks red cup & inclusive message yet? PS, I’m going w/the hand holders are gay ? pic.twitter.com/eDrwEIenHt

— Krista ? (@durantigger) November 1, 2017

While some people were excited about the possible inclusion, others weren’t happy that Starbucks may have put a lesbian couple on the cup.

The new Starbucks cup has lesbian couple on it. Rom 1:26 “because of this,God gave them over to shameful lust”…

— Jimmy H Peralez (@h_peralez) November 2, 2017

The speculation increased when the coffee company appeared to confirm the holding hands are a same-sex couple on Twitter. One user tweeted Starbucks calling the cups “great” for including a lesbian couple.

“We’re happy you enjoy the new campaign, Rufus,” Starbucks tweeted back.

We’re happy you enjoy the new campaign, Rufus! ?

— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) November 13, 2017

Ultimately, Starbucks is letting customers decide how to interpret the cups.

“This year’s hand-drawn cup features scenes of celebrating with loved ones — whoever they may be,” Sanja Gould, Starbucks’ spokeswoman, said in a statement to the New York Times. “We intentionally designed the cup so our customers can interpret it in their own way, adding their own color and illustrations.”

Related Topics:Starbucks Starbucks holiday cup

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

16 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com