Upcoming “Straight Pride Parade” at Singapore Sports Hub – real event or satirical joke?

As cities around the world celebrate the end of Pride Month 2019, on the last day of June, there is speculation that some Singapore residents might gather at the Singapore Sports Hub for a “Straight Pride Parade”.

The month of June was chosen for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world.

This year’s Pride Month is particularly notable since 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Some in Singapore, however, have been invited to “make a stand for the Straight people here and for the future generations to come.”

An event entitled “SG Straight Pride Parade” is circulating on Facebook. The event, which is supposedly set to be held at the Singapore Sports Hub from 1pm to 4pm on 30 June, is organised by Facebook user Jacky Ong.

On his Facebook page, Mr Ong stated that he is attempting to raise awareness about “taking pride in being straight.” Calling on netizens to share the event, since “we have no time to lose,” Mr Ong added that every attendee at his event will receive a free Starbucks beverage of their choice and one attendee will win a Starbucks card worth S$50.

When The Independent contacted Mr Ong, he clarified that the event is not actually real and was created as a “satirical joke with reference to Super Happy Fun America’s “Boston Straight Pride Parade.””

Mr Ong that the event would not occur since he did not procure a permit to run the event and since his “personal views do not reflect the majority of the populace.”

Mr Ong’s event has managed to attract 43 individuals who have pledged to attend but he says that most people know that this is not a real event. He said: “For all I know, most are aware that this event was made with a satirical intent, so that is reassuring to acknowledge. As much as I would like to have more limelight being casted on this event, it is better to come forth before any misconceptions come into play.”

https://theindependent.sg.sg/esm-goh-comments-on-new-yorks-gay-pride-celebrations-as-singapore-govt-remains-resistant-to-repealing-s377a/

-/TISG