Hold onto your wigs and grab your dipping sauces – Arby’s just dropped the campiest National Fry Day promo we didn’t know we needed, and it stars none other than Rebecca Black, the internet’s original Friday queen and now a bona fide LGBTQ+ icon.
To celebrate National Fry Day – which falls on a Friday this year (the math is mathing!) – Arby’s is offering free large curly fries with a $5 purchase for Rewards members in the app, from Friday, July 11 through Saturday, July 13. But what really sent the gays spiraling into a deep-fried fever dream was the brand’s chaotic and hilarious ad campaign, featuring Black herself in a very meta moment of curly-fried confusion.
In the Instagram video that’s already making the rounds on GayTok and beyond, Rebecca walks onto the set thinking she’s there because of the “RB” connection – as in Rebecca Black and Arby’s. But when the off-camera producer tries to explain that it’s about National Fry Day, she looks genuinely (and iconically) bewildered. “Wait, so this Friday is different than other Fridays?” she asks, her voice dripping in early 2010s nostalgia and queer-coded camp.
Rebecca Black for Arby’s. Photo: Christian Soria
Rebecca Black, who came out as queer in 2020 and has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture, leans hard into the silliness – and her fanbase is eating it up like hot curly fries with extra sauce.
“Omfg name a more iconic duo RB & @arbys IM DEAD!!”commented pop songwriter Bonnie McKee on Instagram, echoing what we’re all thinking: this collab is crispy, chaotic.
Rebecca Black for Arby’s. Photo: Christian Soria
The promo, which Arby’s shared on their official Instagram with the caption “Fry day on a Friday, kinda confusing I know,” has quickly gone viral for its blend of camp, nostalgia, and fast food fabulousness. The comments section is a glorious mess of rainbow emojis, “IT’S FRYYYYDAYYYY” GIFs, and people jokingly demanding a Rebecca Black x Arby’s remix.
Let’s be honest: pairing Rebecca Black’s legacy of misunderstood viral fame with National Fry Day is low-key genius. It’s like someone took a Tumblr meme from 2012, deep-fried it, and served it with extra gay seasoning.
And yes, the internet is already thirsting for more RB x Arby’s content. Imagine: Rebecca dramatically belting “It’s Fry-day, Fry-day, gotta dip fries on Fry-day” while voguing through a drive-thru. The possibilities are endless and deliciously chaotic.
So if you’re craving something extra this weekend 0 and let’s be real, you always are – open that Arby’s app and channel your inner Rebecca Black. Because whether it’s 2011 or 2025, we’re still obsessed with Fridays, and now we have curly fries to prove it.
While most cities wind down after Pride Month, Louisville is just heating up, and not just in the kitchen.
The city, often regarded as one of the South’s most unexpectedly queer-friendly destinations, is home to a new, year-round experience that combines LGBTQ+ history with Southern cuisine: the Pride Plates tour by Louisville Food Tours.
Photo: Louisville Food Tours
A First-of-Its-Kind Experience
Only one other queer food tour exists in the United States, in New York City. That makes Pride Plates not just a unique Southern attraction but a national standout.
The 1.5-mile guided walking tour takes guests through the heart of Louisville’s LGBTQ+ history, making five delicious food and drink stops along the way. Think historic Pride picnics, moments of resistance, celebrations of queer joy, and some of the best bites the city has to offer.
But don’t mistake it for a novelty. The tour is rooted in research and community input.
Photo: Louisville Food Tours
Photo: Louisville Food Tours
“This tour was a labor of deep love and connection,” said Richie Goff, Director of Marketing for Louisville Food Tours and the creator behind Pride Plates. “We knew it was important to not just tell queer stories, but to ensure they were told by queer people, and done right.”
That commitment meant diving into the University of Louisville’s LGBTQ archives, partnering with local organizations like Queer Kentucky, and paying LGBTQ+ creatives for their contributions.
Pride in Every Season
Unlike many Pride events that come and go with the calendar, Pride Plates is a year-round offering. It’s part of a growing movement in Louisville to make inclusivity more than just a seasonal celebration, it’s a cultural value.
From the queer-owned shops and restaurants in NuLu and Old Louisville to major fall events like the Louisville Pride Festival (Sept. 14) and Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week (Oct. 3–5), the city is building an ecosystem of LGBTQ+-affirming experiences.
Photo: Louisville Food Tours
And food, it turns out, is the perfect medium to bring people together.
“We believe that great food and great stories have the power to build stronger communities,” Goff said. “This tour is one way to share that spirit with both locals and visitors alike.”
The Bigger Picture
The launch of Pride Plates comes as part of a larger push from Louisville Food Tours to create ethical, inclusive tourism. The company emphasizes reinvesting in the people and places that make Louisville unique, and delicious.
With Pride Plates, the message is clear: LGBTQ+ history isn’t just something to remember in June. It’s living, breathing—and ready to be tasted.
Pride Month is more than parades and glitter, it’s also about community, visibility, and yes, a chance to indulge. This June, two standout food brands are dishing up festive flavor with a side of support for LGBTQ+ causes. Goldbelly is delivering nationwide joy with its Pride Collection, while Coffee Project New York is brewing up a legacy of queer excellence in every cup. Whether you’re craving a rainbow cookie or a Pandan Latte, this is your sign to eat, and sip, proudly.
Goldbelly’s Pride Collection: Colorful, Delicious, and Charitable
Goldbelly, the gourmet food marketplace known for shipping iconic eats nationwide, is back with its annual Pride Collection, and it’s a confectionary dream come true. Featuring an array of eye-popping, limited-edition treats from beloved bakeries and restaurants, the collection offers a sweet way to celebrate and give back.
Here are some standout bites you won’t want to miss:
Tipsy Scoop x Real Sangria Rainbow Sorbet (4 pints, $99.95): A boozy burst of summer with Spanish wine, peach, and wild berry flavors. It’s the dessert equivalent of dancing on a rooftop at golden hour. A portion of proceeds benefits NYC Pride.
Sweet E’s Bakeshop Love is Love Cookies + Cake Pops ($95.95): Six rainbow heart cookies and six cake pops make for the perfect party plate or a self-care snack spread. Because love (and dessert) is for everyone.
Zola Bakes Rainbow Cookies 20-Pack ($59.00): A glammed-up take on the classic tri-color cookie, complete with a chocolate drip. $5 from each box goes directly to The Trevor Project.
Dessert Gallery Pride Rainbow Cake ($64.95): This towering treat has vibrant rainbow layers on the inside and out. Because if your dessert doesn’t come out this month, what are we even doing?
That’s not all, several vendors are giving back to local and national LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Wilbur’s of Maine donates proceeds from its Pride Chocolate Bars to Equality Maine, and La Newyorkina supports queer-focused organizations with sales from their Rainbow Pride Popsicles.
So, whether you’re hosting a Pride party or sending a long-distance sweet to a friend, Goldbelly makes it easy to taste the rainbow, and support it, too.
Coffee Project New York: Queer-Owned and Brewing a Better Future
In a world where rainbow capitalism runs rampant, it’s refreshing to spotlight a queer-owned business that walks the walk all year long. Enter Coffee Project New York, the brainchild of partners Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh. What began in 2015 as a tiny East Village café has blossomed into a seven-location empire that’s changing the coffee game from bean to cup.
And this isn’t your average caffeine chain. Coffee Project NY is redefining what coffee culture looks like by centering values of sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
Innovation on the menu: Signature drinks like the Kickass London Fog, Deconstructed Latte, and Pandan Latte turn your daily cup into a conversation piece.
Education as empowerment: They launched New York’s first Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus, nurturing the next generation of coffee professionals from all backgrounds.
Ethical sourcing: From partnering with minority-owned farms to uplifting overlooked regions, they’re ensuring every pour-over supports a more just and equitable industry.
Coffee Project isn’t just serving drinks, it’s brewing a movement. During Pride and beyond, they continue to create spaces where identity and impact go hand in hand.
Photo: Coffee Project New York
Photo: Coffee Project New York
Photo: Coffee Project New York
Sip and Snack with Pride
Whether you’re sending rainbow sweets across the country with Goldbelly or grabbing your daily fix at a queer-owned café like Coffee Project NY, Pride Month is a delicious excuse to support businesses that give back.
Because let’s be real: nothing tastes better than equality.
As Pride Month kicks off across the country, Häagen-Dazs is once again putting its support behind LGBTQIA2+ and BIPOC communities in a tangible, creative way. In its fourth consecutive year partnering with Allies in Arts — a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in the arts — the iconic ice cream brand is celebrating inclusivity, self-expression, and the power of public art.
At a time when arts funding continues to face cuts and marginalized creators often encounter disproportionate barriers, the Häagen-Dazs x Allies in Arts collaboration is helping to bridge that gap. The campaign provides paid opportunities and a national platform for queer and BIPOC artists to showcase their work — not as tokens, but as leaders and storytellers in their own right.
This year, the partnership has commissioned three artists from major metropolitan areas — Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco — to design large-scale murals that reflect the flavor of their cities, while honoring the themes of community, identity, and joy.
Each mural, deeply personal and locally inspired, invites viewers to pause and savor not only the art but the everyday moments that make life sweeter.
A Bold and Joyful Tribute in Los Angeles
Los Angeles-based illustrator Loveis Wise brings a radiant vision of joy and self-love to the city’s urban landscape. Their mural, titled Slow Life, is a warm, sun-kissed ode to slowing down and embracing authenticity. At its center is a confident, brown-skinned figure smiling with a spoonful of ice cream — a striking symbol of pride, presence, and pleasure.
Loveis Wise’s Slow Life mural radiates warmth and community. Stylized sunsets and bold botanicals evoke LA sunshine, inviting passersby to embrace life’s small joys.
Set against a backdrop of stylized sunsets and lush, oversized botanicals, Wise’s work draws from the natural beauty and multicultural vibrancy of L.A. It’s not just a mural; it’s an invitation to savor the small things — a quiet morning, a sweet treat, a moment of stillness in a bustling world.
“Slow Life is about reconnecting with yourself and your community,” Wise said. “Especially in a city like L.A., it’s important to find grounding in joy and identity.”
Finding Stillness in the City That Never Sleeps
Across the country in New York City, Korean-American artist Subin Yang brings a dreamlike softness to one of the world’s most fast-paced urban environments. Her mural floats with playful stars, abstract shapes, and gentle swirls, all set against a soothing teal backdrop. The visual language evokes a rare moment of peace in a city defined by motion.
Subin Yang’s mural weaves a tender narrative of connection and community. Playful swirls, stars, and floating shapes dance across a serene teal backdrop, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the small joys in everyday life.
“New York is always moving, but this mural is about those fleeting seconds of connection and calm,” Yang said. “I wanted to capture that quiet magic.”
Known for her warm palettes and tender textures, Yang’s work celebrates queer intimacy and emotional honesty. Her mural encourages viewers to look up, pause, and connect — with the art, with each other, and with themselves.
The city’s skyline may be crowded, but Yang’s message is clear: there is beauty in simplicity, and joy in the in-between.
A Gentle Oasis in San Francisco
In San Francisco, Alice Lee delivers a visual love letter to rest, self-care, and the natural world. Her mural depicts a serene, almost storybook-like moment: a woman lounges under a leafy canopy with a book and a pint of Häagen-Dazs, her dog by her side, surrounded by soft pastels inspired by the brand’s Salted Brown Butter Cookie flavor.
Alice Lee’s mural invites us to escape the city’s hustle and find serenity in simple pleasures. Under a leafy canopy, a woman relaxes with a good book and a pint of Häagen-Dazs, while a loyal dog lounges nearby.
“The concept was about finding stillness — creating space to breathe and be yourself,” Lee explained. “It’s a small scene, but it tells a much bigger story.”
Framed by San Francisco’s lush greenery and soft skyline, Lee’s work draws on themes of quiet resilience and community support, especially within LGBTQIA2+ spaces. It’s a reminder that sometimes resistance looks like rest — and healing can come by way of a spoonful of something sweet.
More Than Marketing: A Movement Through Art
The campaign, titled #ThatsDazs, represents a larger initiative by the brand to go beyond surface-level allyship. Since its inception, the partnership with Allies in Arts has been about more than just visibility — it’s about access, equity, and cultural investment.
And in doing so, the campaign is sparking conversations — not only about the art itself, but about who gets to create it, where it gets seen, and why representation still matters.
From the West Coast to the East Coast, each mural is a vibrant reminder that joy is radical, visibility is powerful, and community is essential.
Celebrating Pride With Purpose
As corporate involvement in Pride continues to evolve, Häagen-Dazs’ approach sets an example of what true advocacy in branding can look like: artist-first, community-focused, and built around real investment.
Each mural is currently on public display in its respective city and will also be available in digital formats for nationwide viewing. In addition to the art installations, Häagen-Dazs and Allies in Arts will be hosting virtual talks and artist interviews throughout June, offering further insight into the creative process and the stories behind each piece.
In a world that often overlooks the contributions of queer and BIPOC artists, this campaign not only celebrates them — it pays them, uplifts them, and gives them space to shine.
That’s more than art. That’s a movement.
For more information about the campaign or to view the murals online, visit Häagen-Dazs.com/pride or follow along on social media using #ThatsDazs.
This Pride Month, Pressed Juicery is raising the bar on hydration — and giving back — with the launch of a limited-edition version of its fan-favorite Hydration+ Dragon Fruit Juice. In partnership with drag icon, entrepreneur, and TV personality Trixie Mattel, the special-edition bottle celebrates both vibrant wellness and LGBTQ+ pride, all while supporting a vital cause.
Unveiled on June 2, the exclusive Pride-themed bottle is available now in-store and online at Pressed.com through the end of June. A portion of proceeds from each bottle sold will directly benefit the Los Angeles LGBT Center — a cornerstone institution in the fight for LGBTQ+ health, equality, and social support.
“This is more than just a juice—it’s a statement,” said Trixie Mattel in a statement shared by Pressed. “I’m proud to partner with a brand like Pressed that shares my passion for wellness, authenticity, and lifting up our community.”
The collaboration’s Hydration+ Dragon Fruit Juice isn’t just dressed up in glitter and rainbow hues. Each bottle is packed with powerful ingredients designed to support hydration and gut health, including electrolytes, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics. It’s a functional beverage with flair, combining wellness benefits with the visual boldness Trixie Mattel is known for.
A Juicy Partnership for a Purpose
Beyond the striking design and health-forward formulation, the juice serves a larger mission: giving back to the LGBTQ+ community. Proceeds will aid the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which has provided life-saving services for over 50 years, including medical care, mental health support, housing assistance, and legal advocacy.
“The Center is doing work that saves lives and builds futures,” said a spokesperson for Pressed Juicery. “We’re proud to be able to support that mission, especially during a time when LGBTQ+ rights and access to essential services continue to be challenged across the country.”
The collaboration reflects a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and representation within the wellness space. Both Trixie Mattel and Pressed Juicery emphasize the importance of using their platforms to advocate for equality, intersectionality, and visibility—values at the heart of Pride Month.
Known for her wit, glamor, and entrepreneurial spirit, Trixie Mattel has become a multi-hyphenate force in entertainment and beauty. From winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars to launching her cosmetics line and co-owning a Palm Springs motel, her brand continues to blur the lines between pop culture and progressive activism.
“Trixie is not only a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, but also a powerful advocate for wellness and representation,” said Megan Fuller of Azione PR, who helped coordinate the launch. “This collaboration brings together style, substance, and purpose in a truly celebratory way.”
Where to Find It
The limited-edition Pride bottle of Hydration+ Dragon Fruit Juice is available at all Pressed Juicery retail locations and online at Pressed.com through June 30, 2025, or while supplies last. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying Pressed for the first time, this is an opportunity to hydrate with purpose — and glow with pride.
In addition to being visually stunning, the juice is also Pressed’s take on what it means to show up for the LGBTQ+ community: tangibly and tastefully.
More Than a Trend
Pride Month has become a time when brands across industries roll out rainbow packaging and flashy campaigns. But this collaboration stands out for its emphasis on sustained impact. With a track record of supporting mental and physical health, Pressed Juicery is committed to ensuring that their efforts go beyond surface-level symbolism.
“The rainbow is not just a marketing tool,” said Fuller. “It represents real lives, real identities, and real struggles. We wanted this campaign to reflect that.”
That sentiment is echoed by Trixie Mattel, whose own career has been built on self-expression, inclusivity, and empowerment. “We’re not just here to celebrate Pride,” she said. “We’re here to support people—365 days a year.”
How to Get Involved
In addition to purchasing the limited-edition juice, fans can support the campaign by donating directly to the LA LGBT Center. The center offers over 100 programs and services, ranging from transgender health care to youth mentorship and elder housing. Every dollar raised goes toward building a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive—healthy, empowered, and equal.
To learn more or donate, visit lalgbtcenter.org or go directly to the campaign’s donation page here.
Final Sip
With the Pressed Juicery x Trixie Mattel collaboration, Pride Month gets a powerful boost of color, community, and care. Whether you’re sipping for wellness or solidarity, each bottle is a reminder that hydration can be an act of love — for yourself and for the world around you.
Susan Feniger, the celebrated chef, restaurateur and LGBTQ+ advocate, has spent more than four decades shaping the Los Angeles culinary scene. As the co-chef and co-owner of popular restaurants such as Border Grill, Socalo, Alice B., and BBQ Mexicana, Feniger has left a lasting legacy not only through her innovative flavors but through her steadfast dedication to community, inclusivity, and authenticity.
In a recent conversation with Gayety, Feniger opened up about her journey—from quietly coming out while working in kitchens, to becoming a visible role model for young queer chefs, to her work empowering LGBTQ+ youth through the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Culinary Arts Program.
A Culinary Journey Sparked by Passion
Feniger didn’t always envision a career in food. While majoring in economics in college, she found herself working long shifts in the dishroom and kitchen, when one of her supervisors made an offhand comment that would change the course of her life.
“My boss said to me, ‘Why are you studying economics? You should become a chef,’” she recalled. That suggestion ignited something in her. She convinced her economics professor to let her complete her final year as an independent study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. “I never looked back.”
Chefs Susan Feniger, Wendy Escobedo, Josh Scherer, and Mary Sue Milliken attend LA Wildfire Relief LIVE, produced by WCPG, Tiltify, Justin Tracey and CMPS, at Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills on January 24, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Navigating Identity in a Public Career
Coming out as a queer woman didn’t initially intersect with Feniger’s culinary career. However, she remembers a moment early in her public life where she felt she had to hide who she was.
“When Mary Sue [Milliken] and I were starting out in television, we were interviewed by TV Guide,” she said. “I realized I was hiding who my partner was. Mary Sue would talk about Josh, but I wouldn’t say anything. That’s when I realized I was nervous about being out in the public eye.”
In her everyday life, however, Feniger was always open. And as her confidence grew, she committed to being visible—not for personal gain, but for the next generation. “It would have meant so much to younger me to see someone like me leading a kitchen and living authentically.”
Building Inclusive Kitchens and Culture
Over her career, Feniger has used her platform to create safe, inclusive spaces. She and Milliken have long led their teams with values rooted in collaboration, diversity and mentorship.
“I think what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created,” Feniger said. “From Border Grill to Socalo, our kitchens have always welcomed everyone—long before inclusivity was considered ‘trendy.’”
Their impact extends far beyond their restaurants. Feniger has mentored countless individuals—many of them women, immigrants and LGBTQ+ people—who have gone on to thrive in the hospitality industry. “It’s about making people feel seen and giving back to the community that supports us.”
A Unique Personal Partnership
Feniger and Milliken’s relationship has become a legendary story of friendship, business acumen, and mutual respect. One of the more colorful aspects? Milliken is married to Feniger’s ex-husband.
“Mary Sue always jokes and credits therapy,” Feniger laughed. “But honestly, I set them up! She was dating some weirdos, and I thought she should meet my ex. They fell in love instantly.”
Despite the unconventional family dynamic, their partnership remains rock-solid. “We’ve been business partners for 44 years—that’s longer than most marriages. Life is messy, but we navigate it with humor and heart.”
Advocating Through Food
As a board member and co-chair of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Culinary Arts Program, Feniger plays an active role in providing support and career training to LGBTQ+ youth and seniors.
“The Center is so close to my heart,” she said. “Watching young people who’ve been rejected by their families step into the kitchen, gain skills, and feel a sense of belonging—that’s what it’s all about.”
The program not only teaches culinary techniques but also builds confidence. “So many queer youth are told they don’t belong. Programs like this say: You do belong. You have a place at the table.”
Feeding Hope During Crisis
Feniger and Milliken’s commitment to service also extends to disaster relief. During the LA wildfires, they worked alongside World Central Kitchen and were joined on the ground by Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and actress Jennifer Garner to serve meals to evacuees and first responders.
“Being there, feeding people who had lost everything—it was humbling,” she said. “Food isn’t just nourishment. In times of crisis, it’s comfort. It says, ‘You’re not alone.’ That’s the power of a hot meal.”
Pride and the Fight Ahead
As Pride Month approaches, Feniger emphasized that visibility remains vital. “Pride is about standing up, using our voices, and being proud of who we are,” she said. “It’s not just about celebration anymore—it’s also about resistance.”
Her restaurants will mark the occasion with special events and initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits. “We do Pride brunches, themed cocktails, and highlight queer purveyors and artists,” she said. “Pride is a chance to lift each other up and push back against those trying to silence us.”
Advice to the Next Generation
For young LGBTQ+ chefs and entrepreneurs, Feniger offers this advice: “Follow your heart. Do what you love with passion. I never once checked the clock on a shift. I loved the work. That’s how you know it’s the right path.”
In a career filled with accolades, television appearances, and culinary innovation, Susan Feniger’s greatest legacy may well be the lives she’s touched—with food, with compassion, and with her commitment to living authentically.
