In the video, we see a touching portrayal of a father grappling with the challenges of embracing his transgender daughter’s transition. However, by the conclusion of the advertisement, he demonstrates his acceptance by ordering a beverage under her new name. Starbucks India shared the video on Twitter with the accompanying message: “Your name is a reflection of your true self, whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we celebrate and embrace your individuality, because being genuine is of utmost importance to us. #ItStartsWithYourName.”
Starbucks India drew criticism and faced calls for boycotts after releasing a commercial taking place in India that some, particularly on the right, found objectionable. The company has been accused of “going full Bud Light” after its latest promotion featuring parents meeting their transgender daughter at a Starbucks location.
The video depicts a father who struggles to accept the transition but comes to terms with it at the end of the advertisement by ordering his transgender daughter a drink in their new name. Starbucks India tweeted the video with the caption, “Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName.”
Starbucks India has faced massive backlash from the advertisement. Political commentator, Rukshan Fernando tweeted, “Starbucks facing a backlash in India after going full Bud Light. If saturating the market with a mediocre US coffee brand wasn’t bad enough, now they are bringing their woke corporate culture to the Sub-Continent.”
One user tweeted in Starbucks India’s comment section, “It is deeply disconcerting to witness the rapid erosion of cultural identity in our current era. Certain liberal forces persistently normalize practices that appear to undermine the very fabric of our cherished traditions and deeply held values. The pace at which this unsettling phenomenon unfolds is cause for genuine alarm. It is NOT a coincidence. It is a deliberate strategy.”
