On Tuesday, Pride Month kicked off in Boston, one of America's most gay-friendly cities. According to The Washington Post, however, preparations for a possible 'Straight Pride Parade' are also underway.
According to John Hugo, one of the 'Straight Pride' Parade’s organisers, many heterosexuals feel like they're an 'oppressed majority.'
'We want tolerance, and we want tolerance for everybody — not just the LGBTQ community,' said Hugo.
The plans have been roundly mocked on the internet, including criticism from Chris Evans. The Captain America actor lashed out at the organisation Super Happy Fun America, who are attempting to push through the new parade.
'Wow! Cool initiative, fellas!! Just a thought, instead of ‘Straight Pride’ parade, how about this: The ‘desperately trying to bury our own gay thoughts by being homophobic because no one taught us how to access our emotions as children’ parade? Whatta ya think? Too on the nose??” the Captain America star Tweeted.
Evans then shared a post from author James Fell, who said should such events should in fact be called 'a ‘I’m a homophobic piece of s—‘ parade.'
In a follow-up Tweet he wrote: 'Wow, the number gay/straight pride parade false equivalencies are disappointing. For those who don’t understand the difference, see below. Instead of going immediately to anger(which is actually just fear of what you don’t understand)take a moment to search for empathy and growth.'
Evans' younger brother, actor Scott Evans, is gay. In the past, Evans has said that growing up with a gay brother, as well as two sisters, has helped him 'cultivate compassion and understanding.'
According to The Washington Post, the parade is supposed to poke fun at the 'identity politics' of the political left.
In a statement, Marty Walsh, the Mayor of Boston, declined to specifically address the Straight Pride Parade and focused on LGBTQ pride, advocating equality for all.
'Every year Boston hosts our annual Pride Week, where our city comes together to celebrate the diversity, strength and acceptance of our LGBTQ community,' Walsh said in a statement. 'This is a special week that represents Boston’s values of love and inclusion, which are unwavering.'
