US bar offers free beers to straight men in June.
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Controversial Promotion at US Bar Old State Saloon in Idaho Sparks Backlash
A bar in Idaho is reportedly offering free beers for straight men as part of a jab against LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The Old State Saloon bar in Eagle, Idaho, announced that it would be giving straight, cisgender men free beers every Monday of June in a “heterosexual Awesomeness Month” promotion that coincides with Pride Month in the US.
The bar, known for hosting events like conspiracy theory trivia night and “Christian Singles Mingle,” made the announcement on Facebook, stating that heterosexual men deserve recognition as 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,” the bar posted. The offer, however, does not extend to heterosexual women. Instead, a promotion called “Heterosexual Couples Day” offers a 15% discount to heterosexual couples every Wednesday in June.
As part of their June promotions, the bar also introduced an “open carry coffee” offer on Saturdays, where patrons carrying firearms receive a second coffee for free. The promotions stirred controversy and backlash almost immediately after being announced.
In response to the criticism, the bar’s owner, Mark Fitzpatrick, expressed his love for all kinds of people, including the LGBTQ+ community. He added that he wishes everyone knew Jesus as their savior and called for the commencement of Heterosexual Awesomeness Month.
The bar faced severe repercussions for the promotions, including theft of property, vendors refusing to fulfill orders, wedding catering cancellations, and accusations of libel and slander. Fitzpatrick thanked patrons who supported the promotion and described them as rational and reasonable.
In addition to owning the bar, Fitzpatrick hosts a right-wing podcast called Braveritas, which has previously featured guests discussing flat earth conspiracy theories and COVID-19 conspiracy theories.
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LGBTQ+ Pride Month
