Ford is the latest brand to cause a backlash online by embracing LGBT+ issues. The company released a campaign through Ford Europe, that sees a Ford Raptor decorated in LGBT rainbow colors and gold sparkles, speeding past its competition, with ‘#verygayraptor‘ written on the windscreen.
According to Ford, the idea originated as a response to one online comment: “Well… thats [sic] a cool car! – But that blue color is very Gay!!” Ford redecorated the blue truck with gay pride rainbows, responding, “‘Very gay’ was a compliment, right?”
‘Very Gay’ was a compliment, right? ✨🌈 #VeryGayRaptor pic.twitter.com/vOYJfwHANH
— Ford News Europe (@FordNewsEurope) June 25, 2021
The campaign, called “Redefining Tough,” was released in line with the company’s latest mission statement:
“Ford Pride’s Mission is to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere within Ford for LGBT+ persons.”
The automobile company also released a pride version of the Ford Bronco with “full wrap in the progressive pride colors and gold glitter. Heads turn and phones click as it drives the streets,” the advertisement states.
“Ford Pride objective [sic] with driving Dash is to highlight Ford Motor Company’s inclusive commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and their employees, and a little fun along the way,” the company adds.
The news comes weeks after Bud Light parent company AB-InBev had billions knocked off its valuation after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: A Ford spokesman reached out to make clear that the car was designed last year, so instead of Ford necessarily going gay for 2023 Pride Month, it turns out they’ve been gay for quite some time.