A petition to change the name of one of Australia's most beloved ice creams, the Golden Gaytime, has been launched amid concerns it is offensive to the gay community.
The petition - created by a man who goes by Brian Mc - has already gathered momentum with at least 900 signatures added so far.
Brian explained in the petition: "In 2021, Gay's meaning primarily is related to sexuality. As a Gay man I have needed to fight to be myself, overcoming many things in my life, I am a proud Gay man.
"As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe my sexual identity is owned by me, not a brand and that the outdated meaning no longer applies. Isn't it time for this double entendre to end?"
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In recent times, a number of iconic Australian food products have been renamed due to their culturally insensitive names.
Redskins became Red Ripper, Chicos changed their name to Cheekies and Coon Cheese was renamed Cheer Cheese.
Brian continued: "Under the law they are seen the same, discrimination means being treated unfairly or not as well as others because of a protected characteristic like age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or disability.
"It's not my place to tell Streets what to call their rebranded product, but I do feel it's time that the Golden Gaytime is called out for being outdated, especially when Streets is releasing new products and cross-promotions in 2021.
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"Just to be a gay man, even in 2021 is still hard ... (we) still have a long way to go to be fully accepted as equals, but if we see an area in life that's not equal, and we are able to change it for the better, why wouldn't you speak up?
"This is why I'm speaking out against Golden Gaytime.
"I'm not calling for the product to be cancelled, I'm calling for the product to remove Gay from its name."
Many supported to move to change the name, with one commenter writing: "As a proud Gay man I have needed to overcome many things to be Gay, the loss of family and friends when coming out, direct and subtle homophobia.
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"Streets, I am Gay, you no longer own the use of this word. Times have moved on since the '60s."
Another added: "Gay and Gaytime no longer mean what it used to. Now gay is either 'I'm gay', and not as in happy, or 'that's so gay', which is an insult. But either way, this ice cream should be called happytime."
However, several social media users - many of who identity as gay - have slammed the suggestion to change the name of the iconic treat.
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One user wrote: "I'm gay. This is f**king stupid. If anyone is genuinely offended over the name 'Golden Gaytime,' then it is entirely unnecessary and illogical. It's not intended to have nor does it have any negative connotations."
Another added: "The day Golden Gaytime changes its brand is the day I hand in my gay card."
A Streets spokesperson has since refuted the claims that the name is offensive, telling NCA NewsWire that the Golden Gaytime was released in Australia during 1959, prior to 'gay' being used to describe one's sexual preference.
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"The origin of the 'Gaytime' name was and remains related to having a joyous or happy time and is meant to capture the pleasure that comes with enjoying an ice cream," they said in a statement.
"The 'Gaytime' name is not and never has intended to cause offence and this petition is the first that we have been made aware of.
"As a Unilever brand, Streets has a deep and longstanding commitment to help build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society for all."
Featured Image Credit: Imgur
