In a recent incident that underscores the ongoing cultural battles surrounding LGBTQ+ representation, actor Nick Offerman publicly rebuked Michael Flynn Jr. for sharing a doctored clip from the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation to convey an anti-Pride message.
On June 1, 2025, marking the beginning of Pride Month, Michael Flynn Jr.—son of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn—posted an edited GIF on X (formerly Twitter). The clip depicted Offerman’s character, Ron Swanson, throwing a computer into a dumpster. However, in this version, the computer was replaced with a superimposed rainbow Pride flag. Flynn Jr. captioned the post: “Just wanted to post how I feel about ‘pride’ month.”
Nick Offerman, known for his portrayal of the libertarian and stoic Ron Swanson, did not take kindly to the misrepresentation. He responded directly to Flynn Jr.’s post, stating, “Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb f—. #HappyPride.”
Offerman’s retort references a moment from the series finale of Parks and Recreation, where Ron Swanson serves as the best man at the wedding of his hairdresser, Typhoon, and fellow Parks Department employee, Craig. This scene highlighted the show’s inclusive stance and Swanson’s support for his friends, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Offerman’s swift and pointed response garnered widespread support online. Fans and fellow actors praised his defense of LGBTQ+ representation and the integrity of his character. Many highlighted the irony of using Ron Swanson—a character who, despite his gruff exterior, consistently demonstrated respect and support for diverse individuals—to propagate a homophobic message.
Beyond his role in Parks and Recreation, Offerman has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, he portrayed a gay character in a poignant episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, which received critical acclaim for its heartfelt depiction of a same-sex relationship in a post-apocalyptic setting.
During his acceptance speech at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards, where he won Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series for this role, Offerman addressed the backlash the episode received from some viewers. He remarked, “It’s not a gay story; it’s a love story, you a——,” emphasizing the universality of love and the importance of inclusive storytelling.
The controversy coincided with the tragic death of Jonathan Joss, Offerman’s co-star on Parks and Recreation, who portrayed Chief Ken Hotate. Joss was fatally shot outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, following what his husband described as a prolonged campaign of homophobic harassment. While the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not officially classified the incident as a hate crime, the circumstances have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Offerman expressed his grief over Joss’s death, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The misuse of popular media to disseminate hateful messages not only distorts the original content but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
Offerman’s response underscores the responsibility of public figures to stand against bigotry and advocate for inclusivity. His actions highlight the importance of preserving the integrity of creative works and ensuring they are not co-opted to serve discriminatory agendas.
In an era where social media can amplify both positive messages and harmful rhetoric, Offerman’s stand against the misappropriation of his character sends a clear message: intolerance and misrepresentation will not go unchallenged. As Pride Month continues, his actions serve as a call to uphold the values of acceptance, respect, and love that the celebration embodies.
