An Idaho bar has sparked controversy by announcing its celebration of "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" in June, coinciding with the widely recognized Pride Month for LGBT people. The Old State Saloon's initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with some patrons welcoming the counter-programming and others expressing outrage.
The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, has become the center of a heated debate after announcing its "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" initiative for the month of June. The move has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and detractors, highlighting the ongoing division between Republicans and Democrats over LGBTQ+ issues.
The bar's announcement on Wednesday outlined a series of discounts and freebies for heterosexual couples and men, including free draft beer for heterosexual males dressed in a "heterosexual male" manner on Mondays and 15% off for heterosexual couples on Wednesdays.
However, it was the bar's subsequent request for a judge "to determine if men's chosen clothing is officially heterosexual" that garnered the most attention, offering a $15 per hour salary and free beer for the role.
The announcement sparked immediate backlash online, with many criticizing the bar for trying to counter LGBTQ-themed Pride Month. The bar responded by threatening to ban anyone who used expletives or profanity in their comments.
"It seems as though people who are against Heterosexual Awesomeness Month have a hard time commenting without using horrific words, expletives, using the name of the Lord in vain, etc. Make an intelligent comment and stay. Cuss and you are banned," the bar wrote in one comment.
Despite the negative backlash, the bar remained defiant, reiterating its plans and announcing a "Her Hetero Happy Hour" for women and "Hetero Awesomeness T-shirts."
"We hear lots of people are upset about Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Please know: 1) We love our LGBTQ+ patrons! 2) We will not be changing our mind and give into the group of those who are responding with vitriol. 3) ALL are welcome to come celebrate heterosexuality with us in June!" the bar declared.
In a comment to Fox News Digital, bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick defended the initiative, stating that it was his "dream to build a community event center on some nearby land [he] owns to help support conservative ideals."
Fitzpatrick criticized the comments he had received from the LGBTQ+ community, calling them "truly horrific," while also expressing gratitude for the support he had received.
On his Zillow page, Fitzpatrick describes himself as a "Christian, conservative, Constitution supporter, retired police officer, and family man."
The Old State Saloon's promotion has also garnered attention from the Idaho Statesman, which published an article criticizing the initiative as an "insecure reaction to LGBTQ+ Pride Month."
Fitzpatrick responded by accusing the Idaho Statesman of writing a "hit piece" against him and the bar without contacting him for a quote.
"Idaho Statesman writes a hit piece on me and Old State Saloon and doesn't even have the courage to call me for a quote. Michael Deeds is a decently talented writer. Too bad so much of it is just so immoral. Viewer discretion advised," Fitzpatrick wrote on the Old State Saloon's Facebook page.
He continued, "And for the record, I love all types of people, including the LGBTQ+ crowd. I sincerely wish they all knew Jesus as their savior. Now, let's commence Heterosexual Awesomeness Month!"
The controversy surrounding the Old State Saloon's promotion highlights the ongoing divide between Republicans and Democrats over LGBTQ+ issues. The initiative has drawn strong reactions from both sides, further fueling the debate over the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ people in society.
