MAGA Gays Stir Controversy With “Normal Gay” Party, And Say Ban on MAGA Hats Is “Unfair”
Gay Republicans have caused a stir with two eyebrow-raising stories that have sparked debate across the LGBTQIA+ community. First, they’re throwing a party for “normal” gay people – an idea that’s drawn both cheers and jeers. Second, they’re up in arms over an LGBTQIA+ nightclub banning MAGA hats, calling it unfair. These events have put the spotlight on the tricky intersection of politics and identity, and the reactions are anything but quiet. Here’s what’s happening.
Gay Republicans Host “Normal Gay Social” In Palm Springs
Log Cabin Republicans in Palm Springs tried to host what they called, “A Normal Gay Social” at The Tropicale this April, reports LGBTQ Nation. The event promised “community, common sense” and “cocktails” but faced strong criticism online.
The event title caused strong reactions. Tony DiLembo, The Tropicale’s owner and former personal chef to Barbra Streisand, asked the group to find a different venue. The Log Cabin Republicans said this was a mutual decision for safety reasons.
“Unfortunately, many local social media posts have encouraged bad behaviour towards our group and this location,” the group wrote on Instagram. “It is for the safety of all attending and for their staff.”
Exit polls showed 86% of LGBTQIA+ Americans did not vote for Trump in November. The Log Cabin group’s “Normal Gay Social” post only attracted 31 likes but started a serious debate about using the term “normal gay”.
What Does “Normal Gay” Mean?
The Log Cabin Republicans defended the term in comments. They defined a “normal gay American” as someone who wants “a strong economy with good jobs and lower inflation; safer neighbourhoods where families and individuals can thrive; secure borders that protect American workers and communities; low taxes that allow people to keep more of what they earn; quality schools that educate, not indoctrinate.”
They added, “In short, we love our country. And that sets us apart from the radical left, which insists that to be truly LGBT, one must embrace Marxist economic policies, open borders, and lawless streets. No thanks.”
Critics responded quickly. One person wrote, “Normal gays don’t generalise and demonise everyone who doesn’t belong to their party of choice. BTW, I’ve yet to meet anyone (mostly Democratic) that doesn’t want the above.”
Another commenter asked, “Therefore non-Republican Gays are ‘Abnormal’… unless they pretend to be something they’re not? How does that work?”
The Log Cabin Republicans responded, “For some of us the reaction is a celebration after years of the liberal gays trying to tell us we are hated. We have a place in the party and ‘normal’ is widely open to interpretation.”
The new location for their event has not been announced yet.
LGBTQIA+ Venues Say No to MAGA Gear
According to LGBTQ Nation, Badlands, a two-story nightclub in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights area, recently banned MAGA hats and related items. The decision came after Steven Bourasa wore a red MAGA hat to the venue.
“I’ve never worn a red [Make America Great Again] hat to the gay bars before. I said, ‘What the heck? Let’s see what happens,'” Bourasa told KCRA 3. He stayed about an hour without being asked to leave.
The club owner, TJ Bruce, later announced the ban on social media. “Moving forward, MAGA-related attire will not be allowed in the venue,” Bruce wrote. “This decision is not about banning political beliefs — it is about ensuring that Badlands remains a space where our community feels comfortable and supported.”
Bruce first thought about banning all political clothing but decided that only MAGA gear caused discomfort among patrons.
Claims Of Unfair Treatment
The Log Cabin Republicans of Sacramento called the ban “unfair.” Preston Romero, the group’s president, stated, “This decision is not based upon protecting our community. It’s about bullying and singling out one particular political ideology. And we believe that that’s unfair.”
Other Badlands patrons backed the decision. Alice Malmberg said, “Given the current political climate and what’s been going on and how the administration has been behaving toward certain groups, especially the LGBTQIA+ community, I can understand why they made that decision.”
A similar event happened at Chatterbox, an LGBTQIA+ bar in Indianapolis. People wearing MAGA hats allegedly harassed staff and patrons. When one MAGA hat-wearer tried to confront staff while recording, a bartender responded, “Boo hoo! Boo-fucking-hoo. Get out of my bar,” as the crowd laughed.
For a summary of Trump’s LGBTQIA+ policies across his first and second term so far, go here.
