Festive advert praised for casually featuring gay couple (VIDEO)
An advert has won praise from viewers for its inclusion of a same-sex couple at Christmas.
‘The Pact’ – released by Sainsbury’s – features a gay couple who have arranged to visit both of their families on Christmas Day.
The couple plan to eat lunch with one family and Christmas dinner with the other – agreeing to eat only the mains at each to ensure they do not overeat.
“To manage Christmas lunch at your parents and Christmas dinner at his,” the ad – voiced by Harry Potter star David Thewlis – begins, “a plan is in place – stick to the mains.”
However, the couple find that avoiding food at Christmas is much like avoiding Shakin’ Stevens – nigh on impossible!
In scenes reminiscent of the infamous ‘Vicar of Dibley’ episode – in which Geraldine is forced to eat multiple Christmas dinners in one afternoon – the ‘pact’ is soon broken as one of the pair snaps up a canapé.
The advert has been shared by hundreds of viewers since it was first aired, winning praise for its “casual inclusiveness” and “LGBT friendly” approach.
“How lush is the new Sainsbury’s advert with two guys – talks about the decision about Xmas lunch and families with a beautiful normality!” viewer Jo Massey told PinkNews.
“No massive statements, just a refreshing normality which is the beauty of it, I think!”
Of course, Christmas is the ideal time to entice both gay and straight customers alike – but its only recently that brands have begun to aim their ads specifically at the LGBT audience – with varying degrees of success.
The latest advert for hardware chain Robert Dyas caused nothing but confusion on its recent release.
The ad, which features staff and customers at the store discussing their sexuality, was quietly put out on the chain’s official Facebook page earlier this month – leaving viewers unsure if it was a parody, or the most earnest advert ever.
“I’m gay,” a man holding a miniature light-up Christmas tree declares, “…and I love shopping at Robert Dyas”.
Robert Dyas, viewers are subsequently informed, is a place where “gays and straights can buy drills and much much more”.
Catch the gorgeous Sainsbury’s advert below.
