Every year at this time, as Pride celebrations are happening across the country, it seems some wag feels compelled to post a wannabe-clever meme on social media about "Straight Pride."
You know, memes of the "Why do they get Gay Pride Parades? We don't get to have Straight Pride Parades" variety.
With our neighbours across 10th Avenue holding their New West Pride street party this Saturday, it seems a good time to remind people why that whole Straight Pride idea is somewhat misguided.
By which we mean: just plain stupid.
You don't need Straight Pride Day because that's every single damn day of every single week of every single month of every single year.
You don't need Straight Pride Day because you didn't spend your youth wondering whether it was safe to "come out" as straight. Even here in our (largely) accepting and inclusive part of the world, it's still not that easy for many LGBTQ folks. Does anyone else remember what a big deal it was when Burnaby's own Svend Robinson became the first openly gay member of Parliament? Fun fact: He came out in 1988. That's less than 30 years ago.
You don't need Straight Pride Day because nobody ever tried to stop you from marrying a person of the opposite gender. Fun fact: Same-sex marriage wasn't enshrined in Canadian law until 2005 - and that still makes this country a world leader.
You don't need Straight Pride Day because you can't be jailed or put to death for being straight. Fun fact: If you're gay, there are around 75 countries on the planet where having a same-sex relationship is against the law - including 10 where it's punishable by death. In fact, even here in progressive Canada, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until 1969. That's less than 50 years ago.
So no, you don't need Straight Pride Day.
And if you're tempted to sound off about the issue or post some "clever" meme on social media, we suggest two courses of action.
1. Zip it. Shut up and listen to the stories of your LGBTQ neighbours, friends and colleagues, and try to comprehend what "Pride" might mean to you and your loved ones if you weren't sitting in your privileged straight-person's chair.
2. Pull out your best rainbow attire and get yourself down to the New West Pride street party (Aug. 19, 3 to 8 p.m. on Columbia Street) to show solidarity.
If you still think you need Straight Pride Day, then see No. 1 - and repeat until the concept is clear.
