In today's society, the internet is a resource used by many to connect to others, share all their opinions and every little thing they are doing. For some people, sharing their opinion can become a little offensive and a bit embarrassing as their comments will remain on the internet forever. One of the more recent examples of this is when #HeterosexualPride began trending on Twitter June 29th. Users began tweeting their straight pride and resentment toward a pride month, which needless to say had a lot of people feeling a little bit like this:
Eventually the rest of the internet got to it and turned it into a joke highlighting the ridiculousness of the movement. Don't get me wrong, every one has the right to free expression and can post whatever they'd like on the internet. The posts aren't the issue here, what is the issue is the sentiment behind the hashtag. By posting #HeterosexualPride, people are devaluing the struggles the LGBTQ+ community have gone through and continue to go through even today. The entire month of Pride consists of events to promote visibility and solidarity in the face of oppression from society. By tweeting out your pride, you take part in the erasure of an ongoing oppression toward a community.
Sometimes the ability to walk hand in hand with the person you love without judgment and disapproval is taken for granted because the relationship is two people of different genders. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to express their feelings with PDA openly and not face criticism. Being heterosexual is largely considered "acceptable" whereas being homosexual still comes with risks and hate. Put it this way, if you came out as straight to your parents, they wouldn't kick you out or disown you as many LGBTQ youth face on a daily basis.
As old fashioned as it is, society (whether consciously or not) promotes a heterosexual lifestyle, this is especially becoming more prevalent with recent social events. Let's not forget the Pulse attack just a few weeks ago where a popular gay night club was terrorized, and the attacker was a known as a homophobic and racist individual.
Being proud of who you are is not a bad thing and I believe that everyone should have pride in who they are. However, if your pride becomes something at belittles the history and struggle of another group, you need to reevaluate yourself. The pride behind gay pride is the simple celebration of existing freely and truly being yourself without persecution. Instead of questioning why there isn't a straight pride day or movement, people should be thankful that they don't require one.
