Less than a month since we wrote about the devastating massacre in Orlando, this week I was shocked to see the following hashtag trending on Twitter:
#HeterosexualPrideDay.
Discussing it with my friend Laura, we were appalled. Angry. Sick. I don’t know where it originated from, or why it came about. Whether it was genuine, or whether it was a joke. Quite frankly, I don’t care.
The fact that it was there proves the point that ignorance still exists, and that (Gay) Pride is still a joke to some. It proves why we still need (Gay) Pride, and why there will never be a “Straight Pride”:
1) Straight people don’t need to check who’s around before they kiss their partners.
2) You don’t have to consider whether to tick “straight” on a form as you might have more chance of getting the job that way.*
3) Straight people don’t have to awkwardly correct people when you say partner and they assume it’s someone of the opposite sex.*
4) Straight people can go to any country for a holiday.
In red are all the countries where it’s illegal to be straight
5) Staight people have never been stoned to death or pushed off a building as punishment for being straight.*
6) Straight people don’t have to worry about walking into gay bars, unlike gay people in straight bars.
7) No religious book says straight people are an abomination.*
8) Straight people aren’t token characters in films or books.
9) Straight couples don’t sit in the “no same-sex stag/hen parties” section when it comes to booking holidays (it happens, trust me).
10) You don’t hear kids saying something is “so straight”.*
11) Straight people have never had to fight for marriage.*
12) Straight people don’t need to check whether the area in which they want to live is “gay friendly”.
13) It’s never, ever, been illegal for straight people love someone.*
*Contributed by the lovely Laura from Papa, Eden, and Me.
Yup, I agree with this. I’m shocked that in this day and age people think that hashtag is acceptable. I’m delighted that our local city will have a Pride next year. I’ll be taking my girls because they’ll love the music, dancing and colours and because I want them to understand the Pride movement.
Nat.x
I don’t think you need the apology/disclaimer at the end! I can’t see offence being caused.
I popped on to Twitter yesterday and saw this was trending, I was so furious I promptly popped off again. The points you both make, the map and the quote are just perfect. Great response to a frankly ridiculous concept (I assume it was a very bad joke rather than the product of someone’s actual sensible brain)… X
Your apology is completely unnecessary. Such a ridiculous day and I am so glad you wrote this. I’m glad we don’t need a straight day but I’m also glad that there’s Pride – it’s an awesome celebration! x
Wow, I hadn’t seen the hashtag but what nonsense – “Whooooo! We’re the default! We can go through life without giving the matter any thought!” Why on earth would that need a celebration?!
Yup, I agree with this. I’m shocked that in this day and age people think that hashtag is acceptable. I’m delighted that our local city will have a Pride next year. I’ll be taking my girls because they’ll love the music, dancing and colours and because I want them to understand the Pride movement.
Nat.x
That’s wonderful to hear – I hope you all have a lovely time.
I was shocked as well. Certainly didn’t get the joke! X
I don’t think you need the apology/disclaimer at the end! I can’t see offence being caused.
I popped on to Twitter yesterday and saw this was trending, I was so furious I promptly popped off again. The points you both make, the map and the quote are just perfect. Great response to a frankly ridiculous concept (I assume it was a very bad joke rather than the product of someone’s actual sensible brain)… X
Thank you, lovely. I just didn’t want it to sound like I’m bashing people.
That’s what I was like yesterday. I couldn’t believe it.
Your apology is completely unnecessary. Such a ridiculous day and I am so glad you wrote this. I’m glad we don’t need a straight day but I’m also glad that there’s Pride – it’s an awesome celebration! x
I wish the World was just accepting of all.
Wow, I hadn’t seen the hashtag but what nonsense – “Whooooo! We’re the default! We can go through life without giving the matter any thought!” Why on earth would that need a celebration?!
(I did laugh at your map, though – very deadpan)