The other day I noticed this sticker on a van:
I took a picture of it, just to remind me to look it up, but I didn’t know if it was meant as a joke (a satirical version of gay pride stickers) or what. But it turns out there’s an organization called Straight Pride. The website says they are not homophobic and do not hate gays. This t-shirt leads me to suspect that though they may not “hate” them, they’re not too keen on them, either:
This t-shirt implies that heterosexuality is patriotic:
People are encouraged to send in photos of themselves wearing Straight Pride products. So far the gallery only has a few photos, all of men. The photos are very small, so it’s hard to see a lot of detail, but this one seems to link heterosexuality to a certain type of masculinity; they appear to be holding paintball guns:
I thought they might be useful for a discussion of homophobia and attitudes toward homosexuality, particularly the element of “we don’t hate gays, we just support being straight.” There’s a notion of false equivalency here: that “straight pride” is just the same as “gay pride” (similar to what some individuals in “White power” organizations say–they aren’t anti-Black, they’re just proud of being White!). You might discuss this idea of equivalency: given the privileges and benefits that are made available only to straight couples (including, in most states, the right to marry, and as of Tuesday in Arkansas, the right to foster or adopt children), is “straight pride” really the same as “gay pride”? Is it possible to advocate heterosexuality without being homophobic? What is the motivation for advocating it, if it’s not a sense of unease with homosexuality? The gay pride movement aimed to reduce the stigmatization of gays and lesbians, as well as increase access to the rights and benefits straight couples have. What, exactly, is the goal of a straight pride movement, if not to keep gays and lesbians from getting those rights?
Comments 11
Lazercat — November 7, 2008
This reminds me of the so-called "white pride" organizations, who claim they're "not racist" they just are proud of their "white" origins.
Yeah...cause I'm *so* buying that. *rolls eyes*
Tom — November 7, 2008
On their website, you have to admire the effort that went into giving the impression that this group is hip, youthful, harmless. The absence of religious references and their abuse of the currently fashionable environmentalist symbolism is remarkable.
It seems they realize that picturing homophobia as an acceptable position is an important part of their crusade. White supremacists have lost that advantage long ago whereas, well, California.
Dave — November 7, 2008
Yes, but at least we don't have to feel ashamed about being straight anymore.
Cecil — November 7, 2008
I once got a button from a gay pride booth that said "straight but not narrow."
Village Idiot — November 8, 2008
So far the gallery only has a few photos, all of men.
Ironic that the "Straight Pride" gallery is a sausage-fest...
Anna — November 10, 2008
"I once got a button from a gay pride booth that said 'straight but not narrow.'”
That phrase has always bothered me a little bit. I get that it's supposed to be a heterosexual expression of support for homosexuals. But if one wants to express that being gay is good, why the need to literally label him or herself straight? I'm reading "It's cool to be gay! But please don't think I am!"
Alyssa — November 17, 2008
Or maybe it's just saying, "You don't have to be gay to support gay marriage, so let's all join in the fight."
Chloe — December 1, 2008
I really dislike that "one way" sign, and I think it gets down to the root of their belief (no matter how hard they try to hide it under a guise of patriotism and irony). This straight pride fosters an us-against-them mentality, with all the subtlety of someone asking you, "choose the right way, the 'one way'" or else you're... what? Gay? Wrong? Doomed to be scorned and laughed at by your prepubescent macho friends?
Erg. And I wonder why this kind of stuff irks me.
Lazercat — August 21, 2009
Straight Pride, Gay Pride, White Pride, Black Pride, all bigoted against some other group.
Next you all will say American Pride is bad because it shuns communism.
wtf people?
Ian — June 12, 2011
A phobia is defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation. Homophobia would imply that someone fears a homosexual. Being proud to be straight is no different than being proud to be a homosexual. We are allowed to disagree with someone based on a number of different things. It is when someones sexual preference is shoved down other peoples throats that they react. Homosexual pride festivals, parades and flags are all over. Do I refer to someone as a heterophobe if they don't agree with my life style? What someone does in the privacy of their own bedroom is thier business. It is not for me to judge somenone for thier choices in life. You cannot keep pushing people down and calling them names because they disagree with you. You want the straight community to respect you, then earn it. If you want people to be open minded about your choice, then you should also have an open mind and respect other people opinions.
I am a straight, white, Christian man...I am the person that everyone hates. I cannot disagree with any special interest, or I am considered a racist, homophobe or zealot. When will people realize that we are American's. I don't care what you want to do with another man or woman. I am sure you don't care what I do with my girlfriend. People can disagree with your lifestyle. Just as you can disagree with someone elses.
And to the person that made the comment anout "White Pride" Are white's not aloud to be proud of their heritage? Not all whites owned slaves in the past. Not all whites are card carrying members of the Klan. I am proud of who I am. Special interest groups are trying to make me feel ashamed of who I am. Should I not look at the "Congressional Black Causcus" as someone that looks out for ALL Americans? If they do please correct me. Or the NAACP. How about the United Negro College Fund. Can I apply? NO. I guess only minorities can be economically disadvanted. I struggle every day of my life. I get turned down for opportunities based on my skin color, and that is supposed to be OK.
STOP IT.