The Anheuser-Busch (BUD) brand Bud Light has been the target of scrutiny for a small-scale promotional ad featuring transgender TikTok celebrity Dylan Mulvaney. A very vocal number of right-wing Bud Light consumers have actively boycotted the company for "going woke," along with other big-name brands like Miller Lite and Target (TGT).
Some triumphant boycotters, swearing off Bud Light indefinitely, have proclaimed other beers as their new favorite. After all, there are plenty of beer-fish in the sea, right?
DON'T MISS: The Bud Light Transgender Controversy and Its Impacts Explained
Well, as it turns out, beer and alcohol brands love to sponsor major events -- including LGBTQ Pride celebrations worldwide. Many of these same brands are acknowledging LGBTQ+ people as employees, managers, and consumers.
Anheuser-Busch
The controversy surrounding Bud Light seems arbitrary on its face -- all kinds of Anheuser-Busch brands have participated in Pride events, advertised to LGBTQ+ consumers, and have very comprehensive benefits for queer employees.
Last year, Michelob Ultra came under fire for an advertisement that featured, among a diverse group of women's sports stars, CeCe Telfer, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA title.
Anheuser-Busch also owns a handful of America's other favorite beers, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Busch, Natural Light, King Kobra, and Rolling Rock, all of which have been involved with Pride events in some capacity over the last decade.
But for those still feeling triumphant about sticking it to Bud Light, don't count your chickens before they hatch. The brand is still sponsoring at least one Pride celebration in the U.S. this year.
Molson-Coors
Molson-Coors (TAP.A) owns several major beer brands, including the recent recipient of "anti-woke" backlash Miller Lite. The beer brand participates in several diversity initiatives and has contributed almost half a million dollars to the LGBTQ+ non-profit Equality Federation, which promotes inclusivity in bars.
Meanwhile, the company's second most well-known American beer, the Coors brand, has a rich history of sponsoring Pride events. Additionally, Molson-Coors owns Blue Moon, Keystone, Milwaukee's Best, Steel Reserve, and Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor.
Constellation Brands
When it comes to beer, liquor, and wine brands, you may not have heard of Constellation Brands (STZ), but you've almost certainly heard of their offerings. From popular wine brands like Kim Crawford, Robert Mondavi, Ruffino, and Cook's to Svedka vodka to Casa Noble tequila. Constellation's wide portfolio also includes some of America's favorite Mexican-style beers.
Constellation Brands owns Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, and Victoria beers. The company and its brands have been very vocal supporters of Pride Month initiatives.
The company is also really big on diversity, equity, and inclusion. There was also a great deal of celebration in 2022 when Constellation Brands was given the Human Rights Campaign's distinction "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+" for the fifth year running.
Boston Beer Co.
If the last few months have taught us anything, it's that uniquely-American branding can turn a beer into a symbol of conflict. And if there's any beer that has a very American branding, it's Boston Beer Co.'s (SAM) flagship brand, Samuel Adams. The beer is literally named after a founding father.
Just last year, Sam Adams released a wheat beer called "Love Conquers Ale" in partnership with GLAAD and Safe Bars. In addition to Samuel Adams, Boston Beer Co. owns Dogfish Head, Angry Orchard cider, and Truly Hard Seltzer.
Heineken Holding
Netherlands-based beer company Heineken Holding (HKHHY) is also a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community. The company's DEI initiatives include the Heineken Open & Proud resource group for employees. The company celebrated Pride in Amsterdam in 2022.
One of Heineken's other popular brands, Amstel, committed 10% of its media budget to help register transgender folks to correct their legal names at 2022's Sao Paolo Pride Parade.
Heineken Holding also owns Sol, Red Stripe, and Lagunitas beers.
Diageo
If you don't recognize the name, you certainly recognize the spirits. Diageo (DEO) owns some of the biggest liquor brands on the market. The company's portfolio features Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Bailey's, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Don Julio, Cîroc, Casamigos, J&B, Ketel One -- and Guinness beer.
As a company, Diageo is about the Pride life. And as a beer, so is Guinness. In 2019, the beer brand sponsored the Union Cup, a non-professional gay rugby tournament. In celebration of the event, the company painted the famous Guinness Gates in a rainbow pattern.
