Netflix faces conservative backlash over an upcoming superhero drag queen show, with nearly 20,000 signing a petition against it
- An online petition is attempting to stop the release of Netflix's upcoming superhero drag queen animated show, "Super Drags," and has gathered almost 20,000 signatures.
- The Christian Film and Television Commission claims the show is "driven by a 'politically correct' LGBT agenda."
- It's the latest bout of conservative backlash against Netflix.
- Recent decisions, such as signing a producing deal with the Obamas, have angered some conservatives, but Netflix seems undeterred.
- A recent survey found that Republican approval of the streaming service had dropped since January.
Netflix's upcoming superhero animated series, "Super Drags," is causing a backlash among some conservatives who say it's pushing a "politically correct LGBT agenda" - but the streaming service doesn't seem concerned.
A Citizen Go petition, created by the Christian Film and Television Commission, was started earlier this month to try and stop the show from being streamed on Netflix. As of Thursday, it had nearly reached its goal of 20,000 signatures.
Netflix did not immediately return a request for comment.
The petition claims the show is "driven by a 'politically correct' LGBT agenda and it is chock-full of sexual innuendos that are inappropriate for young audiences." The series hasn't been released yet, so this is based on the teaser trailer Netflix dropped in late May.
"Emboldened by 'gay pride,' Netflix is releasing a show geared towards children where homosexuality and cross-dressing are the focal point," the petition continues.
Netflix's description of the show is below:
This isn't the first time the Commission has taken issue with pop culture. The Commission's other petitions include "Tell GQ to apologize for listing the Bible as one of the most overrated books ever"; "Sandra Bullock: Don't star in pro-abortion movie"; and "Stop the release of pedophilia love story 'Call Me By Your Name.'"
This also isn't the first time Netflix has faced conservative backlash, though it has never seemed to alter its course.
In March, Netflix named Susan Rice, a former UN Ambassador under President Obama, to its board of directors. The decision angered some conservatives who disapproved of Rice for inaccurate statements she made about the 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.
In May, people threatened to boycott Netflix after the Obamas signed a producing deal with the service. While Obama associates said that it's unlikely for the programs to be overtly partisan, it still drew the ire of some conservative users.
These decisions have alienated some conservatives. Republican approval of the streamer has dropped this year, while Democratic approval has risen. A survey earlier this month by brand-perception firm YouGov found that Republican approval has dropped 16% since January 1.
But Netflix hasn't engaged with the controversies.
CEO Reed Hastings has been a vocal opponent of President Trump, and supported Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign. The backlash against Rice didn't stop the company from signing the Obamas. And criticism of "Super Drags" will likely go ignored as well.
Watch the teaser trailer for "Super Drags" below: