Following an internal petition signed by hundreds of Christian employees and others, Google discreetly removed a "Pride and Drag Show" from its list of sponsored LGBTQ+ events in California. The petition criticized the event, featuring drag artist "Peaches Christ" at San Francisco's Beaux bar, as disrespectful to Christian beliefs and sensitivities, describing the performance as "provocative and inflammatory."

The performance by drag artist "Peaches Christ" drew criticism for being "provocative and inflammatory." (Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

While Google confirmed the event's removal, a spokesperson attributed it to a procedural oversight, stating it hadn't gone through the "standard events process." They emphasized Google's history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and featuring drag artists in Pride celebrations. The spokesperson did not confirm whether the petition directly influenced the decision. However, the statement clarified that while the official team event was shifted, the performance would still proceed at the venue, remaining open to the public and employees.

Google spokesperson Chris Pappas reiterated the company's support for the LGBTQ+ community but explained the event's removal was due to a procedural issue. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP)

Google annually sponsors numerous Pride events in San Francisco each June, including drag shows and a Pride parade.

Google confirmed its ongoing sponsorship of Pride events, including drag shows and a parade, in San Francisco. (Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

This incident comes just four years after Google faced criticism from LGBTQ+ employees who felt the company's participation in the San Francisco Pride parade was insufficiently supportive. This highlights the tightrope many companies walk in balancing support for Pride with employee and customer feedback. Recent controversies surrounding Bud Light and Target further underscore this challenge, demonstrating the potential backlash when companies are perceived as mismanaging this delicate balance.