After sparking a firestorm earlier this year over comments about feeling uncomfortable with same-sex families, Snoop Dogg has now taken a strong stand in support of diverse families.
The American rapper teamed up with LGBTQ+ media advocacy group GLAAD to mark Spirit Day in the United States — an annual event held on the third Thursday of October, during which people wear purple to stand against anti-LGBTQ+ bullying.
As part of the campaign, Snoop appeared in a YouTube video with out singer Jeremy Beloate, who competed on Snoop’s team on The Voice reality series.
In their discussion, Snoop said: “It’s a beautiful thing that kids can have parents of all walks and be able to be shown love, to be taught what love is, because hate is taught, and so is love.”
He added: “Whether it’s two fathers, two mothers, whatever it is, love is the key.”
Snoop also produced a new song titled Love Is Love, which celebrates different kinds of love and families. The song features in an animated video showcasing diverse families, which premiered on Snoop’s children’s YouTube channel, Doggyland.
The lyrics include: “Our parents are different. No two are the same but the one thing that’s for certain is the love won’t change.”
Backlash Over Earlier Comments
In August, Snoop faced backlash after admitting in an appearance on the It’s Giving podcast that he was left speechless and uncomfortable when his grandson asked about a same-sex couple and their child in the 2022 animated film Lightyear.
“Oh shit, I didn’t come in for this shit. I just came to watch the goddamn movie. Hey man, watch the movie. They just said she and she had a baby. They both women. How does she have a baby?”
He went on to say: “I’m scared to go to the movies. Like y’all throwing me in the middle of shit that I don’t have an answer for. It threw me for a loop. These are kids that we have to show that at this age? Like, they’re going to ask questions. They are going to ask. I don’t have an answer.”
“Love Always Wins”
Snoop’s recent statements and his collaboration with GLAAD signal a notable change of heart. In a statement about the Spirit Day campaign, he said:
“Partnering with GLAAD for Spirit Day just felt right, because spreading love and respect for everybody is what real gangstas do. We’re showin’ the next generation that kindness is cool, inclusion is powerful, and love always wins.”
While some may see this as a performative PR move aimed at repairing his public image, there is also value in recognising when a public figure like Snoop chooses to use their platform to publicly embrace a more enlightened and supportive perspective on same-sex families.
