Idaho Bar Sparks Controversy with “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” Campaign
- Funny
- Offensive
June 8th, 2024 – A bar in Eagle, Idaho, has ignited a firestorm online with its tongue-in-cheek promotion of “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” throughout June. The Old State Saloon (OSS) announced the campaign on Facebook, offering discounts and free beer for heterosexual couples and men.
The promotion comes at a time when June is widely recognized as Pride Month, a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities around the world. The OSS post positioned their campaign as “counter-programming” to Pride, stating, “for without them, none of us would be here!”
The details of the promotion are meant to be lighthearted, offering free draft beers on “Hetero Male Mondays” to any man deemed “dressed like a heterosexual male” by an unspecified judge (position for judge also advertised at $15/hour and free beer). Wednesdays are designated “Heterosexual Couples Day” with couples receiving a 15% discount on their bill.
Predictably, the response on social media has been mixed. Some commenters found the promotion humorous, while others condemned it as exclusionary and disrespectful to Pride Month. The bar’s attempt to define “heterosexual attire” has also been mocked online.
This is not the first time the OSS has courted controversy. In 2022, they were criticized for social media posts deemed offensive to women.
Celebrating Diversity vs. Divisive Marketing
The OSS campaign raises questions about the role of bars and businesses in social movements. While businesses have the right to choose their marketing strategies, some argue that this campaign does little to promote a welcoming atmosphere and instead alienates potential customers.
Pride Month exists to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, which has historically faced discrimination and marginalization. Heterosexuality doesn’t require the same level of advocacy, and some see the OSS campaign as diminishing the importance of Pride Month.
Looking Forward
It remains to be seen how long the OSS will continue their “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” promotion. The online response has garnered national attention, and it’s unclear if the bar is receiving the publicity they desired.