Idaho bar sparks OUTRAGE from LGBTQ+ supporters over promo offering free beers for straight men this Pride Month

By richardbrown // 2024-06-10

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An Idaho bar has sparked outrage from LGBTQ+ supporters for expressing its desire to celebrate "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" and offering free drinks for straight men this June, coinciding with Pride Month. The Old State Saloon in Eagle, a suburb of the state capital of Boise, announced that each Monday of June would be "Hetero Male Monday." According to a Facebook post from the bar, any man dressed "like a heterosexual male" will receive a free draught beer. In addition to the free beer, the bar is seeking applicants to judge if male patrons are dressed "officially heterosexual," offering $15 an hour plus a free beer. The judging criteria for what constitutes dressing "like a heterosexual male" have not been specified. On Wednesdays, straight couples will get 15 percent off their tab. The Facebook announcement sparked a wide range of reactions. (Related: Christian lifeguard sues LA County over discriminatory Pride flag displays – government-endorsed LGBT violates religious liberty.) Some criticized the bar, while others praised it for its boldness. A Facebook user named Jenna Nash commented: "Every day is hetero day. They're not a marginalized group; they're the norm. Pointing out your heterosexuality during gay Pride Month is an affront, creates separation and discord." Others insinuated that men attending "Hetero Male Monday" might be in the closet. "Whoever wrote this post is so deep in the closet they're having adventures in Narnia with Liberace and Mercury," one Facebook user commented. "It's a free country. But tell us more about all those men on Mondays. Getting drunk … maybe a little curious … maybe a little experimental," another one wrote. But some LGBTQ individuals expressed support for the event. One user wrote: "I'm a gay dude and I think this is awesome. I am an ally to the often stigmatized straight male. I am also grateful for my heterosexual parents that made my life possible." The bar reported receiving several comments bordering on harassment, leading to about 25 bans.

Local newspaper accuses bar of "disrespecting Pride Month"

Boise's daily newspaper, the Idaho Statesman, published a column accusing the bar and its owner, Mark Fitzpatrick, of disrespecting Pride Month. Columnist Michael Deeds wrote: "How exactly does a customer dress like a heterosexual male? Wear one of those 'The Only Thing I Like More Than Beer Is Twins' shirts? Or the one that reads, 'Cool Babe Now Go Make Me a Sandwich'?" Fitzpatrick, described as "a Christian, conservative, Constitution supporter, retired police officer, and family man" on his social media, responded to the Idaho Statesman piece, accusing Deeds of lacking the courage to contact him for an interview. The bar reiterated on Saturday that it wouldn't back down, stating, "We hear lots of people are upset about Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Please know: 1) We love our LGBTQ+ patrons! 2) We will not change our mind and give in to those responding with vitriol. 3) ALL are welcome to come celebrate heterosexuality with us in June!" The post also announced all-day happy hour prices for straight females on Thursdays and upcoming T-shirts commemorating heterosexuals. Despite the backlash, the bar's supporters argue that "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" is a legitimate expression of pride in traditional values. The Old State Saloon continues to promote its events, maintaining that it is inclusive and intends to celebrate all patrons regardless of sexual orientation. Watch this episode of "The Breanna Morello Show" discussing how people can mentally fortify themselves against Pride Month propaganda. This video is from the MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

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Local newspaper accuses bar of "disrespecting Pride Month"

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