Cosmetics chain Lush has come under fire over a Pride window display referencing gender-affirming top surgery.
The display appeared at the company’s Chelmsford store ahead of Essex Pride on 21 June. It features a tiger alongside the slogan “Proud of My Stripes”, with the tiger’s stripes painted in the colours of the transgender flag.
The artwork was initially included in a Facebook post by Chelmsford City Council, celebrating Pride displays in the area. However, the post has since been edited to remove the image.
The display was created by artist Bucky Ringsell, who said in an Instagram post that the piece was designed to support and represent trans people who have undergone top surgery.
“I designed and painted this tiger to support and represent trans folks who have undergone top surgery – myself included,” Ringsell wrote.
“Being proud of your scare (aka stripes) is something everyone can take inspiration from, regardless of your journey. Trans bodies are beautiful.”
The markings on the tiger resemble the chest scars some trans men have after top surgery. Critics have claimed the display encourages young people to undergo medical transition.
Freelance journalist Janet Murray wrote an open letter to Lush and Chelmsford City Council requesting that the display be removed.
“Mastectomies are not a fashion statement, an identity marker or something to be celebrated,” she wrote.
“They are something women undergo because they are ill, because they are frightened, because they are trying to stay alive.”
Broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer also criticised the display on X.
“Ugh. This is DISGUSTING,” she wrote, claiming Lush was “encouraging” teenage girls to “cut off their healthy breasts in the name of trans pride”.
She called the display “dangerous and sick” and urged parents not to allow their children near Lush stores, using a boycott hashtag.
Lush has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ communities and other progressive causes. At the time of writing, the company has not publicly responded to the criticism.
Dr Helen Webberley, founder of the online gender service GenderGP, responded to the backlash on X.
“Calm yourself my love. No teenage girls are having their healthy breasts removed, just teenage boys are having their gynaecomastia resolved so they can live in freedom in their bodies,” she wrote.
She added that puberty blockers “prevent the need for top surgery” and praised Lush for recognising all teenagers.
The controversy highlights the ongoing intensity of public debate around trans healthcare, representation and the visibility of trans bodies during Pride Month.
