A homophobe’s rant about gay penguins got the reaction it deserved
We recently shared an uplifting story about London Zoo putting its gay penguins front and centre of their Pride Month celebrations with an inspired slogan. This is the tweet that informed that post.
Penguin Beach is home to the Zoo's most famous same-sex couple, Ronnie and Reggie, and our #penguins are joining in on the #Pride celebrations! 🐧 Discover more about our pride-themed activities at the Zoo! 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/G62kM4oKGA #PrideInLondon @PrideInLondon #ZooLife pic.twitter.com/uIWSb7Ah5F
— ZSL London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo) June 26, 2019
While most people enjoyed the zoo’s approach, right-wing commentator, Caroline Farrow, launched into a tirade about the campaign, the penguins and Pride. Treat yourself to the whole thread:
Imagine taking your 6 year old to London zoo and them asking you which penguins are gay? 🙄
It’s nonsense like this which is causing a pushback. Which isn’t hatred but people saying enough. Stop pushing your values on my children.
— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) June 27, 2019
Imagine the reaction of the National Secular Society or the British Humanists if London zoo had a sign saying some emus are Catholic; get over it?!
— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) June 27, 2019
I don’t know about you but when I take the kids out to the zoo, it’s for fun and quality time together. Which doesn’t include politicisation of any nature! Mind you I am not a fan of zoos per se…
— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) June 27, 2019
What are these parents who take their kids to Pride thinking of?
“Some men get very happy and excited when dressed up as a rubber dog. Get over it”?!
— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) June 27, 2019
Of course, it wasn’t long before one or two people dropped by to set her straight – or straighter.
For anyone with a 6 year old who wants to know which penguins at the zoo are gay, I will gladly assist and add other exciting penguin facts free of charge.
It’s nonsense like this 👇 which I’ve put up with for the last 36 years. So I’m saying enough. https://t.co/Wd9AHMYQds
— Dr Alex Bond 🏳️🌈🇨🇦 (@TheLabAndField) June 30, 2019
Homosexual behaviour is documented in over 450 species of animals worldwide – including penguins. So… https://t.co/Revae4Mdpu
— Steph(en) Paton 🌸 (@stephenpaton134) June 30, 2019
Imagine being so homophobic that talking to your kid about gay penguins causes you to lash out at the entire LGBTQ+ community https://t.co/R8dQztu1Da
— Andrew J Princep 🏳️🌈🐯🏋🏿♂️👨🔬 (@AJPrincep) June 30, 2019
Just checked and it still isn't as bad as your clergy raping children. https://t.co/aYZkviB7Ce
— Chris Ward (@christopherward) June 30, 2019
You would rather they asked which penguin is a bigoted homophobic Catholic? https://t.co/52YCHgusfl
— Thinker and Questioner 🌈 (@TheGayChrist) June 30, 2019
Biology is diverse and beautiful – that's the whole point of going to a zoo. https://t.co/7tvLETEbsC
— David K Smith (@professor_dave) June 30, 2019
Their names are Ronnie and Reggie. They even adopted an egg together, and are still a happy couple even though their baby is all grown up now. Next time, Google it and tell your kid. It's a nice story ❤ And thanks to you I read that story and it made me smile 😊 I'll pass it on.
— Han #JC4PM2019🖐 (@HanDusty12) June 30, 2019
Can we drop this bullshit idea what sexualities are a politicisation please. Stop comparing sexualities and religion too while you're at it. And that "pushback" you talk about is trying to deny us rights and equality. Well, too fucking bad. https://t.co/EfcWl9jHVa
— pip (@philford) June 29, 2019
Paul McQueen had this spectacular sarcasm to add to the mix.
Hate it when penguins try and push their values onto our kids! Who do those wee pricks think they are!?
— Paul McQueen (@queenmachine67) June 30, 2019
Freaking out about gay animals seems like top snowflake behaviour – the penguins would probably approve.
H/T: someecards.com
