Rachel Griffin Accurso, AKA the famed “Ms Rachel,” made a whole lot of people mad with a recent video wishing her viewers a Happy Pride. The YouTube and social media star — who’s been lauded for her educational videos that are filled with catchy songs for growing minds — posted a video on Instagram where she wore a rainbow shirt and told followers “this month and every month I celebrate you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re exactly who you are,” she said, knowing she would be met with bigots and trolls.
“To those who are going to comment they can’t watch the show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way. God bless,” she continued. “I am not chasing fame or views. I’m standing strong in love.”
Ms Rachel was right. She was met with a whole lot of hate. “My kids don’t know what pride is. Keep it about the rabbits, numbers and learning Ms Rachel” “Celebrating who you are sexually attracted to is just weird. It’s not appropriate for children.” “So disappointed that we have to focus on sexual preferences when it is a show FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS. 👶🏻 They don’t need this at this age. Indoctrination 100%.” “Bye bye miss Rachel! This is not appropriate for my kids!”
It’s nauseating and disheartening to scroll through the mass of angry comments from followers who see this loving display of inclusion as an offense and would take this resource away from their kids because Ms Rachel supports LGBTQ+ families. (As she damn well should!)
Thankfully, there were some supportive comments sprinkled throughout.
“For anyone that stops watching, I’ll watch it twice as often.😂” “As a Christian Grandmama with a 2-year-old grandson who loves you, I salute you for following Christ’s principles of love one another and to love your neighbor as yourself..Blessed are the peacemakers. ❤️” “Some of these grown-ups did not grow up watching Mr. Rogers and it shows”
“Thank you @msrachelforlittles ❤️❤️❤️,” actor Kyle Dean Massey said.
Despite continued backlash across social media platforms, Ms Rachel posted a follow-up video, breaking her silence on what far too many people believed to be an attack on their hetero lifestyle. *Eye roll* She started by pointing out that she’s shared prayers and said “God bless” on her platform before because her faith is a “really important” part of her life.
“It’s also one reason why I love every neighbor,” she said, going on to discuss the part of the New Testament where Jesus tells people “to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.”
“So yes, everyone belongs, everyone is welcome, everyone is treated with empathy and respect,” she said.
“It doesn’t say, ‘Love every neighbor except…!'”
“There are so many reasons I stand strong in love,” she finished. “I stand with everyone. That’s who I am. And the love back and the God bless if you disagree is genuine.”
Of course, that video — despite it’s beautiful message — was met with it’s fair share of hate too. And, at this point, it doesn’t feel right to dignify the followers’ vitriol by repeating it here.
In a statement to NBC News, Ms Rachel said she received emails from former viewers who said they “couldn’t watch anymore due to (her) support of the LGBTQ+ community.” Per the statement, she “responded to that with love which was genuine.”
“We have met so many wonderful families who watch the show, all with different beliefs, religions and political views,” she told the news outlet. “We treat everyone with empathy and respect. I think it’s important to find common ground, and we all want what’s best for our little ones. I believe there should be less division and more dialogue.”
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