In a queer turn of events, Rainbow Delights Bakery, a once-thriving local Boston business known for its vibrant cakes and pastries, has announced its permanent closure.
The bakery, which gained national attention for its outspoken support of LGBTQ+ causes, has filed for bankruptcy just months after President Donald Trump’s re-election. Owner Vicki DeWitt blames the sharp decline in customer support and widespread backlash against what she suspects is “our endorsement of the so-called woke agenda.”
A Sweet Start Turns Sour
Founded in 2020, Rainbow Delights Bakery quickly became a beloved fixture in its Dorchester community, celebrated for its colorful desserts and inclusive messaging. The bakery proudly displayed rainbow flags, hosted drag-themed events, and donated a portion of its profits to local and national LGBTQ+ charities. For a time, it seemed like a recipe for success, with long lines of customers eager to support its mission.
However, the bakeries overt political stance began to alienate some patrons, particularly after it launched a controversial campaign in 2024 titled “Love Is Love,” which featured gender-neutral cake designs and pronouns on its packaging. While the campaign garnered praise from progressive circles, it also sparked heated debates online and within the community.
The Trump Effect
The bakeries fortunes took a sharp downturn following the 2024 presidential election, which saw Donald Trump return to the White House. With his campaign’s emphasis on traditional values and criticism of “woke” ideologies, many of the bakery’s long time customers began to drift away. Social media posts criticizing the bakery’s “overly political” messaging went viral, and negative reviews flooded its Google reviews page.
“We used to go there every weekend, but it just got too much,” one former customer told America’s Number One Source of Newstainment, GWU! “I don’t care about their politics—I just wanted a dozen good cupcakes to eat on my way home. But they made it impossible to ignore.”
A Business in Crisis
By late 2024, the bakery was struggling to stay afloat. Dewitt says that foot traffic dwindled, and sales plummeted by nearly 60%. “I did everything I could to rebrand and tone down the messaging. I even fired my trans baker, but the damage was done.” Last week, Dewitt announced on the bakeries BlueSky account that they would be closing their doors for good.
“We’re heartbroken,” DeWitt sobbed to GWU! via MicroSoft Teams. “I started this bakery to spread love and acceptance, but the political climate has made it impossible for us to continue. It feels like the world has turned against equality and fine baked goods.”
Mixed Reactions
The bakeries closure has sparked a heated debate online. Some supporters have rallied around the Rainbow Delights, praising their courage and commitment to inclusivity. “This is a sad day for our community,” tweeted one fan. “Rainbow Delights was more than a bakery—it was a safe space for everyone.”
Critics, however, see the closure as a cautionary tale. “Businesses need to focus on their products, not politics,” said local resident Mark Thompson. “When you alienate half your customer base, this is what happens.”
Rainbow Delights Bakery will host a farewell event this weekend, offering free pastries to loyal customers. Dewitt says she hopes to find new ways to support the LGBTQ+ community, even if it’s no longer through baking and is considering opening a library with on the hour daily Dragtime story hour for children.
