Gay Aussies Hit Back Against Petition To Rename Golden Gaytimes

Gay Australians have hit back against a petition calling for the iconic Golden Gaytime to get a new name.

The petition - created by a man who goes by Brian Mc - has already gathered more than 1,100 signatures and gained nationwide attention.

Brian explained in his campaign: "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"As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe my sexual identity is owned by me, not a brand and that the outdated meaning no longer applies.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?"

While there was some obvious support for the mission, many gay men have hit back at the idea that the legendary Aussie ice cream should change its branding.

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."

There have been multiple campaigns to get brands to switch up their packaging or their names since last year.

Some names drummed up images of colonialism, while others used words that have since been found to be racist or problematic. However, it appears Golden Gaytime is safe for now.

Streets and Unilever have already declared they won't be rebranding due to the petition.

"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."

At the very least, the bloke behind the petition is calling on the two companies need to do more to help the LGBTQIA+ community if they have a brand name that is associated with the rainbow community.

Unilever replied with: "We will continue to review the language and iconography used across our brands and listen to feedback from our consumers."

Featured Image Credit: James Cridland (Flickr)

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie