LGBTQ+ Community Sends Five-Word Message to Elon Musk After Pride Month Snub — “This Won’t Be Forgotten”

When it comes to cultural commentary, few public figures dominate the conversation quite like Elon Musk. Whether it’s AI, cryptocurrency, space colonization, or social policy, the billionaire tech mogul has rarely missed a moment to weigh in. But this June, the one thing Musk didn’t say is causing the most controversy.

As Pride Month swept across the globe, major corporations, influencers, and celebrities shared tributes, offered solidarity, and celebrated LGBTQ+ voices across social media. But Musk, whose platform X (formerly Twitter) has become a lightning rod for political discourse, chose to remain completely silent.

No tweets. No acknowledgement. No corporate statement from Tesla, SpaceX, or X.

And in today’s hyper-connected world, that silence didn’t go unnoticed.

What began as quiet murmurs in online communities exploded into full-blown outrage after one LGBTQ+ activist reposted a screenshot of Musk’s account with the caption:

“Pride Month: Ignored.”
“This Won’t Be Forgotten.”

The five-word message — now a viral slogan — has become a rallying cry among LGBTQ+ users and allies. Hashtags like #ElonIgnoredPride, #ThisWontBeForgotten, and #SpeakUpElon have dominated timelines, with thousands of posts calling out the tech billionaire for his silence.

“You have the most powerful communication platform in the world,” one user tweeted. “And you couldn’t even say one word of support during Pride? This won’t be forgotten.”

Another user added, “You speak on everything, Elon. But when it came to LGBTQ+ rights—you had nothing?”

The criticism quickly spread from social media to mainstream headlines. Commentators on CNN, MSNBC, and even some tech blogs have weighed in on what Musk’s silence says about his values — especially considering his growing alignment with voices often critical of progressive causes.

The LGBTQ+ community, many of whom once considered Musk a symbol of futurism and innovation, now feels alienated by his lack of acknowledgment.

“It’s not just about a rainbow post,” said Malik Reyes, a queer tech worker and longtime Musk admirer. “It’s about who you choose to uplift — and who you choose to ignore.”

Some defenders argue that Musk has no obligation to comment on cultural events, especially when they don’t intersect directly with his businesses. Others point to his past tweets supporting free speech and individual liberty, saying that silence should not be mistaken for malice.

But critics push back hard on that idea.

“When your silence comes during a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat, it’s not neutrality — it’s complicity,” said Arielle Tran, an LGBTQ+ activist and writer.

Pride organizers in San Francisco and Los Angeles have even incorporated the phrase “This Won’t Be Forgotten” into signs and protest art, some of which depict a Musk-like figure turning his back on rainbow flags.

To make matters worse, a post from the official X Safety account — which once acknowledged Pride Month — was quietly removed this year, adding fuel to the fire. Some believe this was a deliberate shift under Musk’s ownership, signaling a retreat from inclusive messaging.

In the absence of a response from Musk himself, speculation has only grown.

Will he address the controversy? Double down? Or let it fade?

Historically, Musk has responded to backlash with defiance — often reframing criticism as attacks on free speech or labeling them “woke” overreactions. But in this case, even some of his longtime followers are calling for clarity.

“We don’t want pandering,” wrote one self-identified gay SpaceX engineer on Reddit. “We just want to know: Do you see us?”

As Pride Month continues, the pressure on Musk — and by extension, on tech leaders more broadly — is mounting. In an industry built on the promise of progress and innovation, the absence of basic acknowledgment for marginalized groups feels increasingly out of step.

Whether Musk will finally weigh in remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is crystal clear:

The LGBTQ+ community has spoken. And their message is loud, sharp, and unforgettable: “This won’t be forgotten.”

???? Do you think Elon Musk’s silence during Pride Month matters? Should public figures be expected to speak up? Join the conversation below.