The grooming company Axe has been applauded for its response to the announcement of a “Straight Pride” parade in Boston.
The news has garnered attention with many taking to social media to express support or opposition.
One tweet jokingly listed the “floats” that would sponsor the Straight Pride Parade, which included Axe body spray, “Tomi Lahren riding a Swastika” and a “Giant Parent’s basement”.
However AXE wanted to make it clear that they did not belong on the list, commenting: “We’ll be at the parade that matters and this one isn’t it.”
One woman responded to AXE’s tweet, saying the company was “uninclusive” and “intolerant.”
<p dir=«ltr» lang=«en» xml:lang=«en»>we’ll be at the parade that matters and this one isn’t it
— AXE (@AXE) June 5, 2019
“Good to know you don’t support straight people. How very uninclusive and intolerant of you. My straight son and my straight partner have decided to no longer use your products since you don’t support them,” she wrote.
But Axe had more to say, responding: “Gay rights are human rights but go off Jill.”
<p dir=«ltr» lang=«en» xml:lang=«en»>Gay rights are human rights but go off jill
— AXE (@AXE) June 5, 2019
A group called Super Happy Fun America, which “advocates on behalf of the straight community”, has announced it wants to host a “straight parade” in Boston on 31 August.
The group has applied to the city government to hold their march, and approval is currently pending.
Mark Sahady, vice president of the group, wrote in a Facebook post: “The city is now working with us on the parade. We will have the streets closed and be allowed floats and vehicles. The tentative date is 8/31 but will be finalised in the next few weeks.
“The proposed parade route is below. If you would like to come as an individual, march as a group, or bring a float or vehicle, then get in touch. This is our chance to have a patriotic parade in Boston as we celebrate straight pride.”
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a Democrat, did not address the issue in a statement.
“Every year Boston hosts our annual Pride Week, where our city comes together to celebrate the diversity, strength and acceptance of our LGBTQ community.”
“This is a special week that represents Boston’s values of love and inclusion, which are unwavering. I encourage everyone to join us in celebration this Saturday for the Pride Parade and in the fight for progress and equality for all.”
