Ms. Rachel addresses backlash after wishing fans a 'Happy Pride'
Viral preschool teacher turned-social-social media star Rachel Griffin Accurso, known as Ms. Rachel, is hitting back against boycotts over her Pride Month post.
Accurso posted a short clip on Instagram Saturday to mark the start of celebrations for the LGBTQ+ communities and wished a "Happy Pride to all of our wonderful families and friends."
"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 continued.
The educator seemingly anticipated backlash, telling her followers, "To those that are going to comment they can't watch this show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way. God bless. I am not chasing fame or views. I am standing strong in love."
The video has since gone viral with conservative fans decrying the content as inappropriate for children and spewing other hateful rhetoric around the LGBTQ+ population.
USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Accurso.
"My kids don’t know what pride is. Keep it about the rabbits, numbers and learning Ms Rachel," one person commented. Another wrote, "Wow. This is disturbing. We will not be turning you on anymore. Keep this drag queen away from my kids at all costs!!!"
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Other fans in same-sex households and allies praised her for the support.
"This two mom family loves you back! Thank you for loving on our family and our kiddo from afar!" a fan commented under the video. Another added: "We love queen Ms Rachel! As a two dad family with twin girls who absolutely adore you, thank you so much!"
Criticism reached a fever pitch, leading Accurso to post another video addressing fans on Monday.
The YouTube sensation noted that her faith is "really important" to her, which is why she abides by the Christian belief of "love every neighbor."
"It doesn't say, 'Love every neighbor except…'" she added.
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Accurso faced similar backlash in May after she launched a fundraiser for Save the Children to give aid to children in conflict zones, such as the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.
In an emotional follow-up video, the content creator said she was experiencing "bullying" and accusations that she only cared for Palestinian children.
"I care deeply for all children. Palestinian children, Israeli children, children in the US - Muslim, Jewish, Christian children - all children, in every country. Not one is excluded," she captioned the post, adding in her video, "I love my neighbor. I love every child."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ms. Rachel faces backlash after wishing fans a 'Happy Pride'
