Starbucks India recently released an emotional commercial that has sparked both praise and backlash. The ad tells the story of a father struggling to accept his transgender daughter’s identity. In a heartfelt moment, he orders a drink using her chosen name, “Arpita,” symbolizing his love and acceptance.
The campaign, shared with the message, “Your name reflects your true self,” celebrates individuality and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. While many applauded its message, critics accused Starbucks of adopting a “woke” agenda, leading to calls for boycotts and comparisons to Bud Light’s earlier controversy with a transgender influencer.
This highlights the challenge brands face in supporting social causes while maintaining appeal to a broad audience.
