Why Isn’t There a Straight Pride?

Pride Month : “Why isn’t there a Straight Pride?”

On Sunday 1st June, I noticed a familiar pattern playing out across social media.

Several well-known organisations posted their support for Pride Month—changing logos, sharing stories, and standing in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.

It’s something I always welcome seeing. But as usual, the comment sections quickly became a battleground of opinions.

Among the celebration and support were those who were visibly angry. Some comments were openly hostile, others dripping with sarcasm or outrage. And one question kept cropping up, as it does every year:

“Why isn’t there a Straight Pride?”

Let’s talk about that.

Pride isn’t just about rainbows and parades. It began as a protest. A fight for the rights and recognition of people who had been—and still are—marginalised, criminalised, and discriminated against simply for being who they are.

Pride exists because there is still a need to shine a light on inequality, to raise visibility, and to affirm that LGBTQI+ people deserve the same respect, dignity, and safety that everyone else takes for granted.

Being straight has never been used as a barrier to getting married, accessing healthcare, or feeling safe walking down the street holding a partner’s hand.

There is no need for a “Straight Pride” because straight people aren’t fighting for basic rights or representation.

Visibility Is Not Domination

Supporting Pride doesn’t mean sidelining straight people. It means recognising that others haven’t had the same experience of acceptance. When organisations promote Pride, they’re not elevating one group above another—they’re saying, “You’re seen, you’re valued, and we stand with you.”

At ted Learning, we talk a lot about brave conversations. And sometimes, those conversations start with discomfort. If your first reaction to Pride is to feel left out, angry, or confused, it’s worth asking: why does someone else being visible feel like a threat?

Inclusion Isn’t a Zero-Sum Game

Straight people already live in a world built with them in mind. From school sex education to advertising to marriage law—heteronormativity is the default.

Pride Month gives space to those who don’t see themselves reflected in that everyday culture.

So instead of asking “Why isn’t there Straight Pride?”, maybe the better question is:

“What can I do to make the world more inclusive for people who still feel excluded?”

That’s the sort of question that leads to change—and the kind of conversation we’re proud to have at ted Learning.

If you’re ready to explore inclusion in your organisation—beyond just rainbow logos—get in touch. We’ll help you start the conversations that matter.

About the Author

Justin Smith-Essex
Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning.He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills.Justin is the key account manager across our portfolio. He works with our clients to ensure the programmes we deliver are tailored to their specific needs and are dramatically different, engaging and fun. He works with the fantastic team at ted Learning to ensure everything we do is on brand and delivers what our clients and learners need.
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