Holden have shown their support for the LGBTIQ+ community by posting a video of a Ute drenched in rainbows to their Facebook page.

The car manufacturer is a sponsor of the Mardi Gras celebrations in Sydney and declared they were ‘coming out’ to show their love for LGBTI people, noting that in 2016 they voiced they support for marriage equality.

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The post got a lot of support, with hundreds of positive comments posted, many people asked if it was possible to buy a Holden painted in the colours of the rainbow.

A few people criticised the company for supporting Mardi Gras and voiced their displeasure about the company’s position.

One Holden driver from Perth responded to the announcement saying he had bought a Holden last year but he now regretted the decision because the company showed support for Mardi Gras.

Another Holden driver complained that the company was supporting a; “divisive issue that attacks families, promotes depriving children of a mother or father, reduces freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and promotes sickness and death.”

Disturbingly, one detractor argued that the LGBTI community caused infectious disease wards to be filled and posted links to videos for evangelical groups who believe religion can ‘save people’ from being gay.

Comically, one upset Holden customer said he refused to interact with any brand supporting marriage equality. He said he closed his bank accounts at ANZ when they launched they GAYTM’s in support of Mardi Gras, and now would never buy a Holden. People highlighted that Facebook was also a supporter of marriage equality and encouraged him shut down his profile.

Through all the negative comments Holden’s social media officer Andy@Holden politely acknowledged people’s feedback and continually restated the company’s commitment to equality. His patience was praised by many.

Some followers however noted that the company had not made their post view-able directly on their Facebook page feed and expressed disappointment.