The reason that there are no straight parades or flags is because they have not had to organize and fight for basic freedoms.
Those who are not straight did not have marriage equality until very recently.
There were no laws to protect them from discrimination in the workplace.
There had no legal protections when businesses refused to provide services or they faced discriminatory practices, such as trying to get a loan or a mortgage.
The list was endless.
And anyone who thinks that those rights can’t be taken away in the current climate in this country is foolish. Supreme Court Justices said when Roe v. Wade was repealed that repealing marriage equality is on the table.
Women had similar struggles in this country, but people don’t look upon them the same way. Suffragettes had parades. They co-opted words and slogans and made flags. Women could not vote until 1920. And that did not end the fight for equality. My mother had to leave teaching in the public schools when she became pregnant with me because once a teacher became visibly pregnant, she had to go on (unpaid) leave.
Civil rights also had parades and slogans. That’s what a a minority suffering discrimination and inequality does to raise awareness, show solidarity and support, and fight for equal rights.
Our ancestors did the same thing when they all faced discrimination as immigrants. They formed organizations and held parades.
I hope the original poster finds what he’s looking for. I have been happily married to a wonderful woman for many years and am very fortunate. I never had to face anything like what I’ve read here. If I kiss my wife or hold her hand, no one says I am thrusting my choices in their faces.
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