MassEquality Statement on the Straight Pride Parade

BOSTON – August 29, 2019 – A group known as Super Happy Fun America is planning a Straight Pride March at noon on Saturday, August 31, 2019, beginning in Boston’s Copley Square and ending at Boston City Hall Plaza. MassEquality’s Acting Executive Director, Robb Johnson, released the following statement:

“MassEquality works to ensure that everyone in the Commonwealth can thrive without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. That language is inclusive. The non-discrimination and hate crimes laws that LGBTQ people fought long and hard for protect straight people too.  If a straight person feels targeted or excluded based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, they now have avenues to pursue justice. Straight rights are indeed human rights – and they’re already protected.

“We absolutely reject the idea – prominently featured on the Parade organizers’ website – that straight people are oppressed. Straight people’s rights are not diminished when society makes room for LGBTQ people. There is space at the table for all of us. MassEquality supports a vision where we live together in peace. 

That said, MassEquality does support the right of all Americans to lawfully assemble, whether that be in peaceful protest or in celebration. We also support the right of counter demonstrators to gather to peacefully express concern about the motives or message of those assembled. Unfortunately, we live in a time where we’re witnessing the rise of forces that seek to stamp out diversity in this country. It serves us all to be vigilant.”

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MassEquality is a grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.