Social networks burned down this Wednesday, June 26, because of the association that vinyl made between the group and the consumption of poppers. Several users of the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, criticized the vinyl and even talked about boycotting the company.
What about @goiko stereotyping us with a sign saying they are giving us POPPER to consume in their establishment is as DISGUSTING as the sign at the town hall of @MADRID pic.twitter.com/sp0iSbfSlI
— BORJA 🏳️🌈 (@borjavillag) June 26, 2024
The restaurant chain wanted to apologize to “any people who may have been offended” by this advertisement. For example, they stated: “It has always been our intention to celebrate these dates through the creativity that characterizes us by creating a word game.” The company specifically referenced its “best-selling product”: Chicken Poppers.
As Goiko noted, the chain is working on customizing the vinyl at the entrance of its restaurants. “We will continue to celebrate and support the group through humor as the brand we have been since 2019: Born in Chueca,” they concluded in their statement.
'Chemsex' and Popper: the stereotypes that Goiko's vinyl acquired
Popper is an illegal drug, consisting of a clear, yellowish liquid called amyl. This substance is not only very volatile and has a pungent odor, but also has a euphoric and erotic effect. As we explained in this mediumSince the 1970s, popper consumption has been associated with the LGTBIQ+ community, especially gay men.
In concrete terms, the popper is one of the prominent drugs in 'chemsex'. That is, the consumption of chemicals during sex to prolong and intensify sexual encounters. These types of practices are therefore closely linked to the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Those are two of the stereotypes that the LGTBIQ+ group continues to fight against.
The link between these factors and homosexual men emerged when companies introduced the drug in 1975 and 1976. The companies selling popper used the image of highly 'masculine and sexualized' men, with physical characteristics that were believed to be 'desirable'. among gay men.
Users on social networks were quick to regret that restaurant chain Goiko's campaign produced these offensive stereotypes. So the company is reconsidering its actions and will change the controversial vinyl.