PETA Says “Anti-Animal” Language Is Like Homophobia

"PETA should have several seats," sassy news anchor Don Lemon said on CNN news last night after the animal rights groups tweeted that using anti-animal language is equivalent to racism, ableism, and homophobia.

The animal activist organization claimed that using idioms such as "beat a dead horse" trivializes cruelty toward animals and is a form of "speciesism." Instead, we should use animal-friendly adaptations, such as "feed a fed horse."

\u201cJust as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start \u2018bringing home the bagels\u2019 instead of the bacon.\u201d
— PETA (@PETA) 1543958601

PETA's tweets spawned a backlash from queers and people of color, who were quick to note that first and foremost, animals don't understand human language, and thus, cannot be offended. Second, that systemic violence against people of color, queer communities, and the differently abled are far worse than saying something like, "Take the bull by the horns." Conflating the two trivializes the plight of marginalized groups who experience discrimination and threats of violence on a daily basis.

\u201cThanks for trivialising centuries of oppression imposed upon queer people like myself, PETA. Next time someone calls me a faggot on the street, I'll be sure to think of all the birds being figuratively killed by stones and realise how unimportant my problems really are.\u201d
— Neal Jennings \u262e\ufe0f (@Neal Jennings \u262e\ufe0f) 1544043663

\u201c@peta You can definitely tell that peta does not have any people of color, queer people, or differently abled people working for them...\u201d
— PETA (@PETA) 1543958601

— (@)

\u201c@peta Hi, I'm a queer and disabled human who loves my animals dearly and I think it's pretty fucking gross to compare homophobia and ableism to animal cruelty. I'm white and can't experience racism so I'll stay in my lane there, but seriously, PETA, wtf.\u201d
— PETA (@PETA) 1543958601

We're now over here waiting for PETA to tell gay bears, otters, and pups they're culturally appropriating the four-legged community.

Be sure to follow Out on your favorite social platform

From our Sponsors

Latest Stories

'Wicked's wonderfully wild history: 8 fun facts

Film

Search form

PETA Says “Anti-Animal” Language Is Like Homophobia

The queers weren’t having it.

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Trending stories

'A betrayal': Trans people respond to Sarah McBride's bathroom ban compliance

Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival returns to L.A. just in time for the holidays

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

82% of trans workers have suffered discrimination or harassment: report

What is U.S. v. Skrmetti, the Supreme Court case that could change gender-affirming care forever?

AIDS/LifeCycle fundraiser is ending after more than 30 years

Comic Anthony Jeselnik opens up about his sexuality — is he a bi king?

Speaker Mike Johnson bans trans people from all single-sex bathrooms at U.S. House

KUST. introduces 'Thong 01' in revealing new campaign

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment

Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%

U.S. cities score big in LGBTQ+ equality despite wave of discriminatory state laws

10 amazing trans women you didn't learn about in history class

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

MAGA is shocked to discover the existence of the mons pubis & the internet can't stop cackling

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Malta unveiled: Your ultimate LGBTQ+ guide to the Mediterranean paradise

EDC Orlando should rebrand as a Pride event — gays are everywhere

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Santa’s Secret, the naughty immersive holiday experience, returns to NYC

50 all-time greatest girl-on-girl movie kisses ranked

Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts

The gays are '(re)skeeting' on Bluesky — does that mean what we think it means?

Meet ​our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler

Recommended Stories for You

NewFest returns to NYC on Thursday with over 140 queer titles for its 36th film festival

Here's how queer couples can protect their marriage under a new Trump administration

The menthol diaries: Taking back pride from tobacco

Ariana Grande & Kristin Chenoweth agree: 'Wicked's Glinda is 'a little in the closet'

Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey

California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain

Kandy Muse says a fight with another 'Drag Race' queen never aired on ‘All Stars 8’

LaLa Ri says he's 'inspired' other 'Drag Race' queens to consider retirement

Watch Jeff Goldblum gush over Jonathan Bailey's muscular legs & ask him to 'release the Kraken'

Two series from The Advocate Channel launch on Hulu

'Star Wars' star Kelly Marie Tran comes out as queer

20 times Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal had the cutest bromance ever

Cedric Gervais returns to his 'Summertime Sadness' roots with EDC Orlando performance

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas introduces bill to deny transgender identity

No, HHS Assistant Secretary Rachel Levine isn't performing pagan rituals in the woods

Check out our 2024 year-end issue!

Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift

Are you holding space for the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity?' The new 'Wicked' meme has us giggling

Asheville heartbreak: Will LGBTQ+ cocktail bar rise from the ruins?

Joe Biden launches ‘Out for Biden-Harris’ campaign initiative to engage & woo LGBTQ+ voters (exclusive)

Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order

Say hello to Elska's queer men of Salt Lake City

Ashland and its Oregon Shakespeare Festival is the Pacific Northwest’s hidden gem

Election season got you down? This crisis line is soothing LGBTQ+ mental health

Zachary Zane

Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler