- In the Starbucks advertisement, there is a scene set in a coffee shop featuring a couple from an urban area waiting for their child, Arpit, who has transitioned to identify as female and changed their name to Arpita.
As the issue of legalizing same-sex marriage is still pending in the Supreme Court causing anticipation and concern among the LGBTQ community, Starbucks has recently released an advertisement that has caused controversy and generated significant attention.
In the Starbucks advertisement, there is a scene set in a coffee shop featuring a couple from an urban area waiting for their child, Arpit, who has transitioned to identify as female and changed their name to Arpita. The father appears upset about their child’s decision while the mother tries to console him, saying “Please don’t get angry this time, listen.”
Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName. 💚 pic.twitter.com/DKNGhKZ1Hg
— Starbucks India (@StarbucksIndia) May 10, 2023
Arpita then arrives at the coffee shop and shares a heartfelt embrace with her mother before approaching her father. The two exchange a subdued smile.
I know it’s been years, but you still mean the world to me,’ Arpita tells looking at her dad. Her dad thinks for a moment, gets up in determination and asks if she needs a coffee to which Aprita nodded. Dad places the order, comes back to the table looking to open a fresh conversation with Arpita. And that point in time, the attendant at the coffee shop announces, ‘3 cold coffees for Aprita!’
Arpita is taken aback when she hears her new name announced over the speakers in the coffee shop. She then turns back to her father, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and realization that he has finally come to accept her decision.
At the end of the advertisement, the Starbucks logo is displayed along with the hashtag ‘#ItStartsWithYourName’. The company shared the video on Twitter with a message emphasizing that a person’s name defines who they are, regardless of whether it is Arpit or Arpita. Starbucks expresses their love and acceptance for all individuals who embrace their true selves.
