Boston

Organizers: Boston ‘Straight Pride Parade' Moving Forward

Organizers of a "Straight Pride Parade" in Boston say city officials told them Wednesday that they will be allowed to hold their event later this summer.

"We just had a great meeting at City Hall with a bunch of wonderful professionals who have assured us on our date of August 31st we will have the parade and it's going to be a great time," said John Hugo, president of Super Happy Fun America, which is organizing the event.

Hugo said the group does not yet have a permit, but was told that is just a formality at this point.

"We have to dot some Is, cross some Ts," he explained. "We're well through the process. It's absolutely happening. We've been assured that by everyone we've talked to today."

Hugo said the permit is expected to be approved in the coming days.

"We're a sexual orientation just like many others," he said. "We don't hate anyone. We just want to have our own celebration just like everybody else has a right to. All people from all communities are welcome, so long as they show mutual respect."

Hugo said the Aug. 31 date is "etched in stone," adding that the parade will start at noon in Copley Square, ending at Boston City Hall with speeches. Former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos is expected to serve as grand marshal, and Hugo said thousands are expected to attend.

Since it was first made public, the idea of the parade has been skewered nationally by people like Stephen Colbert of The Late Show. The 90’s pop band Smash Mouth was more direct, tweeting, "Straight Pride Parade!?! [Expletive] Off."

Mayor Marty Walsh has said previously that there is nothing the city can do to stop the parade. But he said he will not attend the event.

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