You’re kidding me right? There’s a Straight Allies flag? Straight people do not need a flag for pride.
There’s been a colourful explosion of flags and colours for the LGBT+ community in recent years – something that I’m in two minds about. On one hand, it’s great that groups within our community are getting visibility – and some of those flags are pretty darn pretty – I’m looking at you Alternative Transgender, but on the other hand, it’s very divisional.
So, you’ve got the:
Rainbow, Lesbian, Lipstick Lesbian, Trans, Bear, Bi, Non-Binary, Genderqueer, Pansexual, Polysexual, Asexual, Agender, genderfluid, alternative intersex and intersex – just to name a few
ALSO READ: Test your knowledge – how well do you know your Pride Flags
What’s beautiful about the rainbow flag is that it’s every colour. Everyone is represented – well that’s the idea. Since 1978 it’s been the symbol of inclusivity.
I often hear people say “it’s the gay pride flag” but actually it’s the LGBT+ flag, that beautiful, international symbol we all know, love and recognise. It’s the little wink or nod when you’re in a new city or country that says “this place is welcoming and safe”.
But over this pride season, whilst at a couple of pride events, I was asked a number of times, “where’s the straight ally colours?”.
I didn’t even know there was one. As I was being explained the colours of the “Straight-Ally” (apparently black and white with a rainbow “A”) flag, my mind began to wander. Do straight allies need a flag? I mean what’s the message behind it?
Whilst I love all our straight allies and know that we couldn’t have come this far in equality and societal acceptance without them – you really don’t need a separate flag.
The last time I looked, no straight person was being killed, shot at, bullied, segregated, marginalised because of their allegiance to the LGBT community. Actually, it’s pretty darn insulting when you think of it. Isn’t it’s saying, rather visually, “I’m Straight – at your pride, but hey don’t worry, I’m totally for you, look at me, I’m special – straight and accepting?”
Being a straight ally is a basic requirement of any decent human.
I’m not sure why straight allies even need to point out their heterosexuality at an LGBT pride? Does that strike you as odd?
They get to play straight every day of the year – so why do it on pride?
I don’t see the need of someone who identifies as a “straight ally” to be visibly ‘straight’ on our own turf on the one day of the year that the LGBT community gets to be its true self.
What I actually need, is our straight allies doing their straight ally work in their own spaces. No straight ally should rest until every workplace, home, school – is free of inequalities or homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. That’s where our straight allies are kings and queens.
So straight people, If you really feel you need to pick up a flag on Pride, pick up a rainbow – and wave it proudly. Don’t separate yourself from us.
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Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you'd like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.