An Idaho bar called the Old State Saloon announced “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” in June to celebrate heterosexuality with promotions and discounts, in contrast to Pride Month for LGBTQ people.
This sparked backlash over trying to counter Pride Month.
“June will be OSS’s inaugural Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Come join us all month to celebrate heterosexuals, for without them, none of us would be here! Each Monday will be Hetero Male Monday and any heterosexual male dressed like a heterosexual male will receive a free draft beer. Each Wednesday is Heterosexual couples day and each heterosexual couple will receive 15% off their bill,” a Facebook post read.
The bar defended the event and reiterated it loves all patrons but will not change its stance.
“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. Thanks. We’ve banned about 25 already,” the bar commented.
“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 said.
The bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick described himself as Christian, conservative and family-oriented.
Old State Saloon owner Mark Fitzpatrick said, “It’s my dream to build a community event center on some nearby land I own to help support conservative ideals. We’ve received so many truly evil comments from the extreme LGBTQ+ crowd. Some of the comments are truly horrific. But, there’s also been so much support!”
He owns nearby land hoping to build an event center supporting conservative ideals.
Fitzpatrick responded to criticism, saying he wishes all people, including the LGBTQ community, knew Jesus as their savior.
The bar faced a local newspaper article accusing it of intolerance and transparent bigotry.
“Because most Idahoans will see this dog whistle for what it is. Old State Saloon is promoting intolerance. It’s putting the ‘trans’ in transparent bigotry. This marketing gimmick is an insecure reaction to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the annual celebration for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride in June,” an Idaho Statesman wrote.
While garnering support, the event also drew “truly horrific” comments from some in the LGBTQ community opposing the counter-programming of their Pride Month celebrations.
“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.
He added, “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!”
