Starbucks denies claims it banned pride displays in U.S. stores: ‘There has been no change’

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a statement from Starbucks.

SEATTLE (FLV) – Popular coffee chain Starbucks has denied banning LGBTQ “pride” decorations across all of its U.S. locations, pushing back on “false information” from Starbucks Workers United union.

According to the union, which has over 325 stores unionized, Starbucks has ordered pride decorations be taken down “in the middle of Pride Month,” which continues through the end of June.

The company has around 841 Starbucks stores in Florida.

“For the last two weeks, Starbucks workers have taken to social media to report that the company is no longer allowing Pride decorations in-store,” they claimed. “This seems to be the first year the publicly ‘pro-LGBTQ+’ company has taken this kind of stance.”

The union slammed Starbucks for “taking a cue from Target,” which got in the news for relocating pride merchandise in Florida after backlash. Across the nation, Target recently moved LGBTQ “pride” merchandise from the front of the stores to the back after reports of confrontations and recent worries of falling revenue.

In a statement to Florida’s Voice, a Starbucks spokesperson said they are “deeply concerned by false information that is being spread especially as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture, and the benefits we offer our partners.”

“Starbucks has a history that includes more than four decades of recognizing and celebrating our diverse partners and customers – including year-round support for the LGBTQIA2+ community,” they said.

“We unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ community. There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S. Pride month in June,” the spokesperson continued.

“For Starbucks, U.S. Pride Month in June is just one of the moments we support and celebrate our LGBTQIA2+ partners and the community, and it’s our own partners who inform the commitments and actions we have continued to take for more than four decades.”

The Starbucks union said the chain may not be a “real ally” because they “turn[ed] their backs on the LGBTQ+ community” to protect profits.

“Starbucks is powered by many queer workers, but management has failed to materially support the LGBTQ+ community,” they said. “Last October, some workers have reported that their transgender benefit plan changed, causing them to pay out of pocket fees and lose access to certain providers.”

Starbucks has in the past pushed back on information spread by the union, publishing a report in May affirming that health coverage is afforded to “all eligible partners” to have access to “industry-leading gender-affirming care

Conservative-led boycotts have gained prominence in 2023 after Bud Light partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.

The company has seen plummeting sales for months, and Target was seen as a new flashpoint for conservatives over their alleged placement of “tucking” swimsuits near children’s sections.

More recently, Call of Duty and Activision have come under fire for “wad[ing] into LGBTQ+ Culture War” after removing a popular streamer’s game appearance customization option – or “skin” – removed after making a comment saying “they should leave little children alone.”