Pokemon Unite developer Timi Studio's official Twitter account seems to want to equate gay rights with heterosexual rights. In a baffling exchange on Twitter, the studio's official account had some disappointing replies to another user asking them to say "gay rights."
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The exchange began earlier today when MikeMind on Twitter first responded to a meme Timi Studio shared with, "Can you say gay rights?" Whoever is behind the account followed up to the question with "why? rights of heterosexual players are equally important." After someone else noted their disappointment, the studio made matters worse with, "Go and ask any gay people if they are disappointed by being treated EQUALLY." The comments from Timi have since been deleted.
It's important to note here that the person behind the Timi account has stated that English is not their first language, so it's easy to see how someone's intent may not align with how things sound when translated. However, comparing the needs of heterosexuals – an orientation that is not marginalized – to the plight of any LGBTQ+ person isn't fair, and is offensive to the daily abuses those groups face.
It's also worth noting that no, gay people aren't treated equally. No matter how it's interpreted, the person behind Timi's official account sounds like they aren't operating from a place of compassion for those groups. They have since apologized several times and followed up, trying to clarify with an additional message.
Understandably, the responses to the account aren't happy. As a queer person myself, it's frustrating to continuously have to explain how the obstacles I face are not normal barriers for straight folks. So, if I jokingly ask you to say "gay rights," the appropriate response certainly isn't to lecture me on how I'm equal to straight folks.
For now, there's been no follow up on who's in charge of the account or how we've landed here.
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