Woke tech giant Google has decided to withdraw its sponsorship from a drag show in San Francisco following complaints from a group of Christian employees. The move came after hundreds of employees signed a petition claiming that the performance was disrespectful to their religious beliefs.
Google quietly drops drag show sponsorship after Christian workers push back with petition declaring performance 'direct affront' to beliefs https://t.co/Wur5fxe8QN
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) June 28, 2023
The drag show, known as the “Pride and Drag Show,” was set to take place at the LGBT+ bar Beaux on Tuesday as part of Google’s annual support for Pride month. However, concerns were raised about the main performer, drag artist “Peaches Christ,” prompting Christian employees to voice their discontent.
The petition accused the company of religious discrimination, arguing that the drag show and Peaches Christ, directly challenged their religious beliefs. “Their provocative and inflammatory artistry is considered a direct affront to the religious beliefs and sensitivities of Christians,” the petition read.
The employees felt that sponsoring such a performance demonstrated bias against Christianity and requested an apology from Google.
The employees also took their concerns to People Operations and the company’s human resources department pointing out that the event violated Google’s own policy against sexually explicit activities.
After that, Google decided to replace its sponsorship of the drag show with a separate event held at its offices. However, the company clarified that employees were still free to attend the drag show if they wished even though it is officially withdrawing its support.
Confirming the change, Google spokesperson Chris Pappas stated, “While the event organizers have shifted the official team event onsite, the performance will go on at the planned venue — and it’s open to the public, so employees can still attend.”
Pappas acknowledged that the drag performance had not followed the company’s standard events process.
Google refused to comment on whether the sponsorship withdrawal was a direct response to the employee petition. However, some employees who were for the pro-LGBT event criticized the company for giving in to the pressure from their Christian colleagues who they accused of fueling a political culture war.
Despite the controversy, Google encouraged its employees to participate in other Pride events, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBT community.
“We’ve long been very proud to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Our Pride celebrations have regularly featured drag artists for many years, including several this year,” Pappas added.
