On Eve of Straight Pride, Equal Rights Group Debunks 'Heterophobia'

A leading LGBTQ rights group in Massachusetts has pushed back on the notion that heterosexuals face oppression.

In advance of a Boston Straight Pride Parade, MassEquality recognized a right to assemble but openly questioned the need.

"We absolutely reject the idea -- prominently featured on the Parade organizers' website -- that straight people are oppressed," reads a statement from Robb Johnson, Mass Equality's acting executive director.

"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."

The group Super Happy Fun announced this summer it planned to hold the event this Saturday. Organization president John Hugo at the time said he "started Super Happy Fun America in order advocate on behalf of the straight community."

The group, which bizarrely uses Brad Pitt as an unwilling mascot, uses such mocking terminology as "heterophobia" in promotion for the event.

Of course, Johnson points out that despite Super Happy Fun's suggestions about discrimination against straight people, that's not a thing. And even if it were, laws advanced by Massachusetts' LGBTQ activists extend protections to straight people as well as sexual and gender minorities.

"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," Johnson notes.

"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."

Johnson says MassEquality doesn't wish to shut any message down. But LGBTQ activists will be in the streets as well to counterprotest the Straight Pride event. And he would not dismiss the underlying resentment and discrimination underpinning such an event.

"MassEquality does support the right of all Americans to lawfully assemble, whether that be in peaceful protest or in celebration," Johnson's statement reads.

"We also support the right of counter demonstrators to gather to peacefully express concern about the motives or message of those assembled," he continues.

"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."