Sarah Jessica Parker's Memorial Day tribute honoring 'LGBT veterans' sparks controversy: 'Make me vomit'
Sarah Jessica Parker was among those honoring fallen soldiers on Memorial Day — but the actress’s post has sparked controversy because it includes a special shout-out to the LGBTQ community.
Parker, who is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community and recently appeared on the GLAAD Awards, may have been trying to acknowledge service members targeted by Donald Trump’s new transgender military ban, which went into effect in April. Fans cheered the inclusion, but others accused Parker of being too “politically correct” by giving LGBTQ members of the military — some of whom may have identified as non-binary — a special mention.
“Why can’t it just be everyone that served?” complained one commenter. “Are we so politically correct that we can’t just honor ALL veterans? Without singling out certain groups? I have a transgender relative. The last thing he wants is to be singled out. His sexuality has absolutely nothing to do with service?”
“ALL SERVICE PEOPLE,” read another comment. “Lord Jesus ... I’m waiting for the special Muslim service people shout-out. Make me vomit.”
“People have good intentions when they are being ‘PC,’” added a commenter. “However, I believe it creates segregation and categories, further exacerbating stereotypes already in place.”
“Is an ‘LGBT’ not a man or woman?? LOL. This country has gone mad,” wrote another critic.
“Or just... veterans,” suggested one follower. “Lesbians and gays are women and men. Your writing is redundant. How about just a humble and sincere thank you for PEOPLE's ultimate sacrifice... death. That is what this holiday is about. Remembering their lost lives. Not making it about some other issue.”
“They aren’t LGBT veterans, they are veterans. They all paid the same price and in death all have the same worth. Nothing divides them now.”
One fan came to Parker’s defense, writing that “they aren’t respected in the same way by our ‘president’ — hence the need to be inclusive.”
“I love that you included ALL,” another fan told the star.
“In this terrible new normal we live in, I just wanted to say that your unwavering good cheer, kindness and class is always such a welcome breath of fresh air,” added a supporter.
Parker wasn’t the only celebrity whose Memorial Day tribute drew scrutiny. One veteran objected to Halle Berry writing “Happy Memorial Day” in the caption for her Instagram post expressing gratitude for those who serve, noting that it is a somber occasion. Berry responded by editing her caption and assuring the follower that she meant no “disrespect.”