Nike’s decision to celebrate Pride Month by hosting a panel discussion with a surgeon who performs “gender affirming mastectomies” on minors has raised concerns among conservatives. The leaked email obtained by The Daily Wire reveals Nike’s theme for the month, emphasizing the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight for equality and their determination to be true to themselves. However, conservatives argue that this celebration should not involve promoting controversial practices involving minors.
Dr. Blair Peters, the surgeon from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), who openly admits to performing these surgeries on minors, will be featured in the panel discussion. The event, scheduled for July 11, aims to discuss policies impacting the transgender community. This revelation has sparked further conservative criticism, as conservatives generally advocate for a more cautious approach when it comes to medical interventions on minors.
Nike’s Pride Month events extend beyond the panel discussion. The company is also hosting a “family-friendly” drag story time and a Pride Community Fair, highlighting local LGBTQIA+, women, and minority-owned businesses. These initiatives are seen by conservatives as part of a broader cultural push that goes beyond celebrating individual identities and ventures into controversial territory, particularly when it comes to children and the promotion of certain ideologies.
Nike’s financial support for LGBTQIA+ organizations, such as the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Camp Lightbulb, has also drawn conservative criticism. Some conservatives argue that these organizations may go beyond promoting inclusivity and instead introduce ideas and materials that are not age-appropriate or aligned with conservative values.
The leaked email, signed by Heidi O’Neill, the president of consumer and marketplace and executive sponsor of the “PRIDE Network,” demonstrates Nike’s commitment to promoting LGBTQIA+ causes. Conservatives, however, urge caution, emphasizing the need to balance inclusivity with ethical considerations, especially when it involves minors. Nike has yet to respond to the concerns raised by conservatives regarding their Pride Month initiatives.
