A recent TikTok video has gone viral after capturing a full Pride parade taking place inside an IKEA. Shared by the account @kenyavargas98 and captioned, “This caught me off guard ya’ll,” the video shows staff waving Pride flags and smiling as homemade floats parade down the store’s wide aisles.

Overlayed text in the video reads, “came to IKEA and they had a Pride parade”, summing up the delightful surprise experienced by shoppers. The clip features colourful costumes, joyful dancing, and beloved IKEA mascots such as the DJUNGELSKOG bear sporting a rainbow cowboy hat, as well as a giant cardboard unicorn float. Many TikTok users were quick to praise the cheerful and inclusive atmosphere, with one commenter noting, “The fact that there’s numbers on the floats means it was likely a staff competition.”

@kenyavargas98 This caught me off guard yall #lgbt #pridemonth #glg #ikea #fyp #vibes #lovewins ♬ original sound – KenyaVargas

IKEA has long been recognised for its support of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride month. In the UK and Ireland, the retailer has donated proceeds from the sale of its iconic Rainbow Cake to Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline. Stores frequently fly the Progress Flag and have adopted inclusive policies, including gender-affirming care leave for employees.

Under the viral video, IKEA themselves commented, “We’re proud to stand for love, equality and being who you are. Always.” Even Michelle Visage, RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, added her approval with an enthusiastic “YAAAAASSSSSS”.

However, not everyone was entirely satisfied. Several viewers jokingly expressed disappointment over one notable absence, BLÅHAJ, IKEA’s cuddly shark, widely regarded as a trans icon.

BLÅHAJ’s link to the trans community dates back to at least 2020, when a Reddit user declared, “BLÅHAJ is an ally.” Since then, the plush shark has become a symbol of comfort and solidarity, particularly within the trans community. One X user recently wrote, “Just bought 4 mini BLÅHAJ for all the trans women in my life.”

Just bought 4 mini blåhaj for all the trans women in my life pic.twitter.com/e6SK4yiEC0

— Grace Microwave User 💕 (@microwave_user) October 14, 2022

Despite BLÅHAJ’s absence, the in-store Pride parade has been widely celebrated as a shining example of corporate inclusivity done right—cheerful, heartfelt, and clearly driven by genuine staff engagement. For many, it was a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can leave the biggest impression.