The good news, of course, is that the LGBTQ community has a strong, proven track record of standing up to protesters, hecklers and discriminatory extremists of all stripes—in fact, we’re often energized by the opportunity to show them who we are and what we’re all about.
Earlier this week, for example, a group calling themselves “Super Happy Fun America” made national news calling for a “Straight Pride Parade” to be held in Boston, along the same parade route as Boston Pride, in late August. See related June 5 Boston Spirit posting.
While it seems unlikely this group could organize such a large event, city officials confirmed they had indeed been contacted with the request, and in any case the group gained the media attention they sought days before Boston Pride, with the Boston Pride Parade tomorrow, June 8.
In response, Arline Isaacson, cochair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, put out the following response, voicing so much of what our community is all about, and what the Straight Pride organizers just don’t seem to get. Said Isaacson:
We are saddened to hear about the so-called “Straight Pride” Parade announced this week. These extreme right-wing individuals are attempting to mock the very legitimate celebration that LGBTQ people have enjoyed for several decades.
The LGBTQ Pride parade has historic and meaningful value. It began decades ago at a time when LGBTQ people suffered from severe forms of discrimination…from unjust arrests by police to job loss to violence against us.
We reject the cynical and childish action by these self-professed straight men and know that they represent only a small minority of ill intended reactionaries.
Straight people have not suffered decades and indeed centuries of oppression…for being straight. But the LGBTQ community has and despite many advancements towards equality, we unfortunately continue to.
However, nothing these narrow-minded individuals do can delegitimize our celebration or our pride.
To which we at Boston Spirit magazine heartily agree…and wish everyone a Happy Pride! For a full schedule of Boston Pride events (May 31–June 11) and everything Pride-related, go to bostonpride.org.
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