Featured Image Credit: @burgerkingaustria/Instagram/Shutterstock
Topics: LGBTQ, World News, Burger King, Food and Drink
Dominic Smithers
Topics: LGBTQ, World News, Burger King, Food and Drink
Burger King has divided people with its new 'Pride' burger.
June marks Pride Month, which commemorates those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, New York City.
The raid sparked a riot that spread to the streets and led to calls for safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to allow them to be themselves without fear of being targeted.
This eventually spawned New York City Pride, which kept on growing until June became Pride Month, a time when the continuing oppression of the LGBTQ+ community is brought to the fore and is marked by marches and demonstrations in cities across the world.
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To mark this year's Pride Month, Burger King Austria has released its 'Pride Whopper'.
The Pride Whopper is just like a standard Whopper, however, the filling is sandwiched between two identical buns.
Sharing the news on its Instagram account, the fast food giant wrote: "May we introduce The Pride WHOPPER.
"With two equal buns for equal love and equal rights.
"We set an example for the equality of all identities and sexual orientations.
"A little twist meant to put a smile on our faces and remind us to treat each other with respect and peace.
"No matter who you are and who you love. #TimeToBeProud.
"The Pride WHOPPER is now open until June 20th. available in all restaurants! How are you celebrating Pride this year?"
But while a few have welcomed the promotion, others have been less than impressed, with many left thinking it was a joke.
Writing on social media, one critic said: "Who approved this?"
Another chipped in: "Nah I'm part of the LGBTQIA community but what is this?
"Why can't these companies just donate to LGBTQIA charities and maybe educate people on LGBT history?
"Because that'll do the community good."
"Yas homophobia was ended thank you burger king," put a third, while another added: "They can’t be serious."
UNILAD has reached out to Burger King for a comment.
Despite June being the official Pride Month, many events in the UK are held in July, August and September.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]