M&S have launched an LGBT sandwich. (Credit: Twitter/ @PumpItLowda)

British supermarket chain Marks and Spencer (M&S) has launched a new “LGBT” sandwich, filled with lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato.

But the pride-themed snack has caused a stir with social media users, who have been debating whether or not they agree with it.

The conversation began when a picture of the sandwich with the caption “M&S threw the first artisanal sandwich at Stonewall,” went viral on Twitter.

The supermarket released the BLT-plus-guacamole sandwich to raise money for the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity dedicated to helping homeless LGBT+ youth.

The retailer says it has donated £10,000 to the charity, and will be making a further £1,000 donation to another charity called BeLong to Youth Services in Ireland.

M&S LGBT sandwich causes a stir on social media

But despite the supermarket’s charitable intentions, some social media users suggested members of the LGBT+ community should steal the product from shelves.

“Calling all LGBTs”, a Twitter user called Aaron wrote, “get yourselves down [to] Marks and Spencer and help yourself to a free gay sandwich,” he wrote.

“No need to pay babe, just walk in and take this trash off the shelves,” the tweet read.

After another user notified Aaron of the supermarket’s charity donations, the user explained “it wasn’t evident from the front of the packaging,” and he claimed the sandwich made him feel “enraged.”

“Equating us to a sandwich?,” another tweet said, “I can’t imagine them doing this with other marginalised groups.”

Other people on the social network pointed out the steep pricing of the LGBT product.

“€4.50 for a blt with guac?” one person replied, “I guess they’re hoping gays really have expensive taste,” they added.

While another person noted the high salt content of the sandwich.

“Deffo an LGBT sandwich,” Rob wrote, “gays are notoriously salty.”

Other members of the LGBT+ community commented the sandwich could be more inclusive of vegetarians, suggesting alternatives.

“M&S throwing the entire lesbian community under the bus [with] the bacon,” one person wrote, while another said: “maybe you could try some alternatives for the bisexual, beetroot, bread, broccoli?”

The Albert Kennedy Trust replied to some of the negativity and said: “akt is proud have the support of brands like marks and spencer, as without it, we couldn’t do what we do.”

“If you’re not a sandwich fan but would like to help, learn how you can support us [on our website],” the charity wrote in a tweet.

The supermarket made a statement which said: “M&S Food is showing their support of the pride season and have this year launched a special LGBTQ+ sandwich – a twist on the traditional BLT.”