Waking up to the news Michael Gove would be running for the Tory premiership, I thought my daily share of bad news was out the way. Seeing “Heterosexual Pride Day” trending on Twitter made me think otherwise.
LGBT Pride Month in the United States is being celebrated throughout June, with many cities across the country celebrating pride events. Pride in London took place last weekend.
But the hashtag began in the US. This post, by @_JackNForTweets, appeared yesterday.
Did you know it was LBGT pride month before today? I honestly didn’t.
— Sam. (@_JackNForTweets) 29 June 2016
And despite the broad condemnation it elicited, some voiced their support of the hashtag.
I’m definitely joining in on #HeterosexualPrideDay next year. Kinda mad I didn’t notice it yesterday. You’re a genius @_JackNForTweets
— Peep My Pinned Tweet (@JamesyNFG) 30 June 2016
The originator of the tweet later gloated about the furore it created.
I broke the internet more than any self centered selfie posted with a hashtag.
#HeterosexualPrideDay https://t.co/ghc0PgK5mJ
— Sam. (@_JackNForTweets) 30 June 2016
Before firing off some more vitriol.
Gays aren’t as accepting as they claim they are. And they use their oppression to channel their inner narcissism. https://t.co/v7QfDbAttF
— Sam. (@_JackNForTweets) 30 June 2016
The timing, of course, is unsavoury. Not three weeks have passed since the deadly Orlando shooting – the worst in recent US history – in which 49 people were killed at an LGBT nightclub. In response to the attack, commemorative vigils were held around the world.
Sensitivity to the specifically homophobic nature of the attack has been questioned within the media’s coverage of the event. The day after the attack, Owen Jones walked out of Sky News interview.
Despite this, many have voiced their opposition to the hashtag.
There is no need for Heterosexual Pride Day because no one has ever been bullied, fired, arrested, tortured, or murdered for being straight.
— Sam Kalidi (@samkalidi) 29 June 2016
Having a #Heterosexualpride day is like having a white history month. Every day is heterosexual pride day every month is white history month
— Thelma (@_thelmaaa) 29 June 2016
“Heterosexual Pride Day” exemplifies the opposite of pride. It reflects a desperate, brittle insecurity about losing undeserved privilege.
— Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) 29 June 2016
Regardless of whether the hashtag was purely designed for clickbait, the more worrying thing is the traction of support it gained.
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