In a year already marked by heated political divisions, former congressional candidate and conservative commentator Karoline Leavitt has thrust herself into the national spotlight with a call that’s sending shockwaves through both sides of America’s culture war. In a bold and controversial statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Leavitt urged Americans to boycott Pride Month, claiming that the annual LGBTQ+ celebration has lost its way and is now pushing what she describes as a “harmful agenda” targeting the country’s children.

The 26-year-old Leavitt, a rising star in conservative media and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, didn’t mince words. “Pride was once about dignity, respect, and the right to live freely,” she wrote. “But today, it has been hijacked by far-left activists who use it to push explicit content, gender ideology, and the sexualization of children. This June, I will not celebrate Pride Month. Instead, I call on all Americans to boycott the toxic culture being forced upon our kids. True pride isn’t about rainbow flags and parades—it’s about standing firm in faith, family, and freedom.”

A Statement That Sparked a Storm

Leavitt’s post exploded across social media, instantly trending and drawing a flood of responses from across the political spectrum. Within hours, her words had been shared thousands of times, with hashtags like #BoycottPride and #StandWithLeavitt lighting up conservative corners of the internet.

But the reaction wasn’t limited to her supporters. LGBTQ+ advocates, progressive lawmakers, and celebrities quickly fired back, calling her comments “dangerous,” “misinformed,” and “deeply out of touch with modern America.” Organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued swift condemnations, warning that rhetoric like Leavitt’s puts already vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth at even greater risk.

“Pride Month is about love, acceptance, and equality—not ‘indoctrination,’” said HRC President Kelvin Robinson in a statement. “Comments like Leavitt’s only fuel hatred and violence against LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender youth, who already face unprecedented attacks.”

A New Front in the Culture Wars

Leavitt’s call for a boycott is the latest—and perhaps loudest—salvo in a broader conservative backlash against Pride Month and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Over the past several years, right-wing activists and lawmakers have pushed for a wave of new policies aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, especially where children are concerned.

In multiple states, drag queen story hours have been banned, and laws like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill have sharply limited classroom discussions of gender identity and sexuality. Some states have moved to ban gender-affirming care for minors, sparking intense national debate.

Leavitt’s rhetoric echoes the talking points of other high-profile conservative figures such as Chaya Raichik (Libs of TikTok), Matt Walsh, and Vivek Ramaswamy, who argue that LGBTQ+ advocacy has overreached, especially in schools and youth culture. “This is about protecting children and preserving traditional values,” Leavitt said in a follow-up interview on Newsmax. “We can love and respect our neighbors without exposing our kids to radical agendas.”

Supporters Applaud ‘Standing Up to Woke Indoctrination’

On the right, Leavitt’s stance has been met with enthusiastic applause. Fox News host Laura Ingraham praised her “courage to speak the truth,” while conservative commentator Ben Shapiro tweeted, “Karoline Leavitt is right—Pride Month has become a platform for leftist ideology, not a celebration of individual rights.”

Many parents and grassroots activists echoed these sentiments, flooding Leavitt’s social media with messages of support. “Thank you for standing up for our kids!” wrote one user. “We need more leaders with your backbone.”

Critics Warn of Real-World Consequences

But for LGBTQ+ advocates and their allies, Leavitt’s words are more than just rhetoric—they’re a threat. “This kind of language is what leads to real harm,” said Sarah Ellis, CEO of GLAAD. “We’ve seen a rise in hate crimes and bullying against LGBTQ+ youth. Political leaders have a responsibility to protect all children, not single some out for attack.”

Progressive lawmakers also weighed in. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) blasted Leavitt’s stance as “homophobic” and “dangerously out of touch,” while Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the first openly gay U.S. senator, called the boycott “a thinly veiled attempt to turn back the clock on equality.”

A Nation Divided as Pride Month Begins

As Pride Month gets underway, Leavitt’s boycott call has become a lightning rod for a nation already deeply divided over issues of identity, education, and parental rights. Across the country, cities are preparing for parades and festivals, while some school districts and local governments are grappling with whether—and how—to recognize Pride Month at all.

In interviews, Leavitt insists her intention is not to spread hate, but to “stand up for families.” Yet her critics say her words are part of a dangerous trend that seeks to erase hard-won protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.

What’s Next?

With the 2024 election year in full swing, the debate over Pride Month’s meaning and influence is likely to intensify. Figures like Leavitt are positioning themselves as defenders of “traditional values” against what they see as “radical gender ideology.” Whether her boycott gains traction or simply adds fuel to an already raging fire remains to be seen.

Political analysts say the controversy is indicative of a broader realignment in American politics, where cultural issues are increasingly at the forefront of campaigns and public life. “We’re seeing a fundamental clash over what it means to be American,” said Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a political scientist at Georgetown University. “Pride Month has become a symbol in that struggle—a stand-in for deeper debates about family, faith, and freedom.”

A Conversation That Isn’t Going Away

For now, one thing is clear: the battle over Pride, parenting, and cultural influence is far from over. As Americans take to social media, city streets, and the ballot box, the conversation sparked by Karoline Leavitt’s boycott call is sure to echo long after June ends.

What Do You Think?

Should Pride Month be boycotted, or is Leavitt’s stance extreme? As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the question of how—and whether—to celebrate Pride Month is now front and center in America’s ongoing culture war.