This 2019 event continues to spark debates about activism, representation, and social movements worldwide.

A Straight Pride Parade Without Permission

The idea for a “straight pride parade” started from a group called “Super Happy Fun America” run by three men. The parade was promoted by this group for August 31st but was rejected by the city officials. This parade seems to be a response to the city’s rejection of a straight pride flag at the city hall. After the parade was held the city came forward saying that the group had not been given a permit to hold the parade.

The Face Of Super Happy Fun America

Super Happy Fun America is lead by John Hugo, who ran for Congress as a Republican in 2018 and lost. The second leader is Mark Sahady who according to MassLive is the part of a right-wing group called Resist Marxism. Lastly, the final member of the trio is Chris Bartley, a “gay ambassador” who uses his status in the LGBTQ community to challenge heterophobia. According to their website, they were formed to “celebrate the diverse history, culture, and contributions of the straight community.”

For their event, the group demanded the same route as the Boston’s pride parade as well as the same accommodations for street closings, floats and more. After the parade was rejected by the city the group still went ahead and held it. Shady posted on Facebook saying “It looks like the Boston Straight Pride Parade will happen. We filed a discrimination complaint and it appears the City of Boston understands they would lose in litigation.” He continued saying that, “The city is now working with us on the parade. We will have the streets closed and be allowed for floats and vehicles. The tentative date is 8/31 but will be finalized in the next few weeks.” Shady ended the post with, “This is our chance to have a patriotic parade in Boston as we celebrate straight pride.”

The Backlash From The Internet

The FB post went viral when a NY Times editor Carolyn Ryan shared the screenshot of the said post. The backlash it faced online was massive. With people mocking and ridiculing the parade, the popular sentiment faced online can be shown by this tweet shared by the user @KyleKallgren “The Straight Pride Parade exists for the same reason as Men’s Rights and White Pride: to denigrate and belittle the progress made by the marginalized. It’s nothing less than the mockery of the oppressed and should be treated as such.” Big names like Smash Mouth and Chris Evans condemned the event as well.

Why Such A Parade Is Not Needed

In the end, a parade representative of the majority is not helpful in any way in combating a stigma. Parades and protests are held to show the injustice that is being done to a person or a group. They are done to push change and give voice to a problem that is not spoken about by the greater mass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Boston straight pride parade and why was it controversial?

In 2019, Super Happy Fun America organized a straight pride parade in Boston without a permit, claiming discrimination when denied. Critics argued it mocked LGBTQ pride movements and lacked legitimate purpose, sparking nationwide debate about activism and representation.

Who organized the straight pride parade in Boston?

The parade was led by John Hugo, a failed Republican congressional candidate; Mark Sahady, associated with right-wing group Resist Marxism; and Chris Bartley, a self-described gay ambassador. They formed Super Happy Fun America to celebrate straight community contributions.

Did Boston city officials approve the straight pride parade permit?

No, Boston officials rejected the parade permit. Despite this, organizers proceeded anyway on August 31, 2019. They later filed discrimination complaints claiming the city would lose legal battles over permit denial and differential treatment compared to pride parades.

What was the public reaction to the Boston straight pride parade?

The parade faced massive backlash from LGBTQ communities and allies who viewed it as mocking marginalized struggles. Critics argued a parade for the majority demographic undermines efforts to combat historical discrimination and stigma against vulnerable populations.

Why do critics say straight pride parades aren’t helpful to any community?

Critics argue that celebrating the majority demographic provides no practical benefit in combating actual social stigma or discrimination. Pride movements historically serve to uplift communities facing systemic oppression, making majority-focused parades appear dismissive of real struggles.