“As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community I believe my sexual identity is owned by me, not a brand and that the outdated meaning no longer applies. Isn’t it time for this double entendre to end?” he said in the notes below the petition.

“Under the law they are seen the same, discrimination means being treated unfairly or not as well as others because of a protected characteristic like age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or disability,” he continued.

“It’s not my place to tell Streets what to call their rebranded product, but I do feel it’s time that the Golden Gaytime is called out for being outdated, especially when Streets is releasing new products and cross promotions in 2021.”

“Just to be a gay man, even in 2021 is still hard … (we) still have a long way to go to be fully accepted as equals, but if we see an area in life that’s not equal, and we are able to change it for the better, why wouldn’t you speak up,” Mr Mc said.

“This is why I’m speaking out against Golden Gaytime. I’m not calling for the product to be cancelled, I’m calling for the product to remove Gay from its name.”

In a statement, a spokesperson from Streets said the name had a toatrtly different meaning when it was first released back in the 50’s. “The origin of the ‘Gaytime’ name was and remains related to having a joyous or happy time and is meant to capture the pleasure that comes with enjoying an ice cream,” they said in a statement.

“The ‘Gaytime’ name is not and never has intended to cause offence and this petition is the first that we have been made aware of.

“As a Unilever brand, Streets has a deep and longstanding commitment to help build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society for all.”

The same ice cream is called Cookie Crumble in New Zealand, with many saying that’s the name Australia should adopt also.

In the past other brands have changed their names in light of racist connotations. Redskins became Red Ripper, Chicos became Cheekies and Coon Cheese was renamed Cheer Cheese.

Images: Streets