In solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, Oreo released a special edition of rainbow cookies last Friday in partnership with PFLAG.
“Starting Oct. 9, the colored cream cookies, which will not be sold in stores, will be given away to the first 10,000 people to share on social media their idea of allyship,” reported KTLA. “The cookie giveaway is part of Oreo and PFLAG’s Proud Parent campaign, ‘a year-long initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the powerful impact love & acceptance can have on LGBTQ+ youth.'”
In a statement, PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond praised Oreo for the partnership while emphasizing the importance of LGBT affirmation.
“Having a supportive, affirming family—and committed allies—is crucial for the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people,” said Bond. “We are grateful for our partnership with OREO, and for OREO’s commitment to our shared vision of a diverse and inclusive world, made better by loving, proud parents and allies.”
In association with the rainbow cookies, Oreo also launched a short film called “Proud Parent,” which explores an LGBTQ relationship between two women.
“This new film shows the love between Jen and Amy, exploring parent-child relationships, and the challenges of bringing a partner home for the first time – especially for the LGBTQ+ community. The film highlights the true importance of family love, support, and affirmation,” PFLAG said on its website. “The #ProudParent platform is our partnership with OREO, aimed at empowering and inspiring parents, families, and allies of LGBT to come out in loud, public support. Because every time a parent comes out in support of their child they inspire others to do the same – making the world a more accepting, affirming, and compassionate place.”
This past Sunday, the LGBTQ+ community celebrated National Coming Out Day, which raises awareness about people “coming out of the closet.” Even the NFL joined in on the festivities with its own National Coming Out Day PSA featuring openly gay and bisexual former players such as Ryan O’Callaghan, Jeff Rohrer, R.K. Russell, and Wade Davis. Simultaneously, NFL Executive Vice President Troy Vincent said in an op-ed on the league’s website encouraging more LGBTQ players to come out.
“There has never been a single active player that has come out,” Vincent wrote. “While I’m sure I’ve played with LGBTQ+ players — highly skilled, athletic and effective at their jobs — they did not come out. But they were my teammates and part of the larger NFL family.”
“Anyone in the player community who may be considering coming out, know this,” he continued. “Just as I have done with family members and close friends, I am committed to serving as a conduit to help you through that journey — either myself, in collaboration with my teammates at the league office, or through the many organizations with whom we partner on LGBTQ+ issues.”