The WORST Pride Month Commercials ... So Far
The Michael Knowles Show | The Daily Wire | Released June 7, 2025
In this compelling episode of The Michael Knowles Show, host Michael Knowles takes a critical look at the landscape of Pride Month commercials, dissecting various advertisements he deems the "worst" in their approach to celebrating Pride. Through sharp analysis and pointed commentary, Knowles explores how different organizations navigate (and in his view, mishandle) the representation of LGBTQ+ themes in their marketing strategies.
1. Oregon Lottery Commercial
Timestamp: [00:00 - 00:31]
The episode opens with Knowles addressing the Oregon Lottery's summer commercial. The ad promotes lottery gameplay by highlighting its contribution to supporting Oregon's extensive park system, including projects like accessible trails and dog park upgrades.
Notable Quote:
"It's just one way a little lottery play for many Oregonians can add up to a lot of good." [00:31]
Analysis: Knowles acknowledges the positive impact of lottery funding on community projects but sets the stage for a broader critique of how various brands intertwine social causes with their marketing.
2. The Decline of Pride in Sports
Timestamp: [00:31 - 02:48]
Knowles discusses the diminishing presence of Pride in the sports arena, particularly focusing on baseball. He sarcastically remarks on the Seattle Mariners' embrace of LGBTQ+ themes, questioning the genuine support behind such initiatives.
Notable Quote:
"Baseball is the most conservative sport. Don't do it. Don't do it." [02:20]
Analysis: He criticizes the perceived mismatch between baseball's traditional image and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements, suggesting that such efforts are forced and lack authenticity. This section underscores Knowles' skepticism toward integrating social causes into established, conservative domains.
3. Sesame Street's "On Our Street" Commercial
Timestamp: [02:48 - 04:14]
The conversation shifts to Sesame Street's commercial promoting inclusivity with the slogan, "On our street, everyone is welcome." Knowles vehemently opposes the notion, arguing that introducing complex LGBTQ+ themes to young children is inappropriate.
Notable Quote:
"A publicly funded children's puppet show is promoting extremely weird, deviant, aberrant sex stuff to an audience of primarily 2 to 5 year olds on your taxpayer dime." [03:30]
Analysis: Knowles deconstructs the ad's messaging, labeling it as an imposition of adult ideologies onto young minds. He expresses concern over the commercialization of education and the use of children's programming as a platform for social engineering.
4. Hillsdale College's Educational Ad
Timestamp: [04:14 - 09:27]
Moving to higher education, Knowles critiques an advertisement from Hillsdale College promoting over 40 free online courses. He highlights the institution's focus on classical subjects, contrasting it with contemporary societal shifts.
Notable Quote:
"Learn about the works of C.S. Lewis...the meaning of the US Constitution...the history of the ancient church." [06:00]
Analysis: While Knowles presents Hillsdale's offerings in a seemingly positive light, his tone suggests a preference for traditional education over modern cultural narratives. This segment serves as a subtle endorsement of institutions he perceives as upholding enduring values against evolving social trends.
5. Air Canada's LGBTQIA Flight
Timestamp: [09:27 - 10:05]
Knowles scrutinizes Air Canada's first-ever LGBTQIA-inclusive flight, mocking the advertisement for its exclusivity towards the LGBTQ+ community while implicitly excluding others.
Notable Quote:
"We value everyone equally. But if you are sexually normal, you're not allowed on." [10:00]
Analysis: He interprets the ad's inclusive language as inherently discriminatory, suggesting that prioritizing LGBTQ+ passengers creates an environment of exclusion for others. This perspective aligns with his broader critique of preferential treatment based on sexual orientation.
6. Target's Pride Line
Timestamp: [10:53 - 13:05]
Target's Pride product line comes under fire as Knowles examines the store's approach to marketing LGBTQ+ themed merchandise. He points out the absence of explicit labels like "gay" or "queer," replaced instead with vague terms such as "authentic" or "proud."
Notable Quote:
"You don't get to make jokes about us when you're not laughing with us." [11:52]
Analysis: Knowles argues that Target's subtlety renders the initiative insincere, viewing it as a tokenistic gesture rather than a genuine effort to support the LGBTQ+ community. He criticizes the commercialization of Pride, suggesting it dilutes the movement's core messages.
7. Conclusion and Overall Commentary
Timestamp: [13:05 - End]
Wrapping up the episode, Knowles reflects on the overarching trend of Pride's portrayal in mainstream media. He posits that the momentum against Pride is gaining traction, aligning with his belief that excessive focus on LGBTQ+ themes leads to cultural decline.
Notable Quote:
"Because pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." [12:50]
Analysis: Knowles invokes traditional proverbs to emphasize his viewpoint that Pride's increasing visibility is a harbinger of societal issues. This concluding sentiment encapsulates his conservative stance, advocating for a return to what he views as foundational values.
Additional Elements
Throughout the episode, Knowles incorporates interactions with voice actors and commentators, adding a dynamic and humorous layer to his critiques. These segments, while interspersed with advertisements and promotional content, maintain a consistent focus on evaluating and challenging the portrayal of Pride in various commercial mediums.
Final Thoughts
The Michael Knowles Show episode titled "The WORST Pride Month Commercials ... So Far" presents a thorough conservative critique of how Pride Month is commercialized across different sectors. By dissecting advertisements from the Oregon Lottery to Target, Knowles argues that these efforts are either insincere, misaligned with traditional values, or detrimental to societal cohesion. The episode serves as a platform for conservative voices questioning the integration of LGBTQ+ themes into mainstream commercial endeavors, reflecting broader cultural debates surrounding Pride and representation.