IL Bar Tells Gays to Go Away
The Elbo Room, a Karaoke bar in Peoria, IL posted the following sign:
While it's very insulting, this sign comes as no surprise to me. About 18 months ago, the manager of a local "straight" bar (The Rock*) in Beloit, WI removed Karaoke from its weekly lineup because he didn't like the fact that the event brought in a large gay crowd. After I learned Karaoke was canceled, I asked the manager when (if at all) it would be returning. He said, "I can't stand all these people who can't sing - especially the gay ones." I responded with, "I'm gay and most of those people you're talking about are my friends." He looked shocked and tried to redeem himself. "Oh, I don't mind gay people. I just don't like listening to anybody who can't sing."
Whatever. If The Rock's Karaoke crowd was full of drunk college girls in mini-skirts and halter tops, he wouldn't care if they needed a bucket to carry a tune.
As for the Peoria bar, the article reports:
I'm a bit annoyed by the comment Nick Stroman made. He took a picture of the sign and sent it out to his friends. His actions sparked this debate. He said, "I'm far from the militant person with my fist in the air at a rally. It just surprises me that in this day in age, that this stuff is still happening."
This sort of thing will continue to happen as long as people like Nick view standing up for what you believe in as a militant act you should avoid. Come on, my gay brothers and sisters. Where's your fuckin' backbone?
*Note: The Rock was recently purchased by a new owner. So far, I don't sense any anti-gay sentiments. Time will tell.
While it's very insulting, this sign comes as no surprise to me. About 18 months ago, the manager of a local "straight" bar (The Rock*) in Beloit, WI removed Karaoke from its weekly lineup because he didn't like the fact that the event brought in a large gay crowd. After I learned Karaoke was canceled, I asked the manager when (if at all) it would be returning. He said, "I can't stand all these people who can't sing - especially the gay ones." I responded with, "I'm gay and most of those people you're talking about are my friends." He looked shocked and tried to redeem himself. "Oh, I don't mind gay people. I just don't like listening to anybody who can't sing."
Whatever. If The Rock's Karaoke crowd was full of drunk college girls in mini-skirts and halter tops, he wouldn't care if they needed a bucket to carry a tune.
As for the Peoria bar, the article reports:
For decades, the bar on Main Street had been called the Quench Room and was known as a gay bar, longtime residents said. In the 1990s, ownership changed hands and it became a karaoke bar, said Peoria Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken, whose district includes the bar. Although gay patrons continued to frequent the spot, tensions between them and the bar owner have boiled over recently concerning public displays of affection, according to the gay customers.
I'm a bit annoyed by the comment Nick Stroman made. He took a picture of the sign and sent it out to his friends. His actions sparked this debate. He said, "I'm far from the militant person with my fist in the air at a rally. It just surprises me that in this day in age, that this stuff is still happening."
This sort of thing will continue to happen as long as people like Nick view standing up for what you believe in as a militant act you should avoid. Come on, my gay brothers and sisters. Where's your fuckin' backbone?
*Note: The Rock was recently purchased by a new owner. So far, I don't sense any anti-gay sentiments. Time will tell.
Tags: discrimination, gay-bar, gays, lesbians, peoria-il, the-elbo-room
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rae on -
I am surprised he did not hang a sign next to this one that read "No Colored Allowed" apalling.
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Permalink Reply by Genia Stevens on -
They were careful not to say "No Gays Allowed" since IL passed a law a few years back making it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. They might as well have said it though. If I walked into a bar and the sign said, "THIS IS NOT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN BAR," I would assume the owners didn't want Black people there.
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Permalink Reply by jaysays on -
I suddenly have the urge to go there and sing "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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Permalink Reply by Genia Stevens on
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Ha! I know, right! I want to go, take a shitload of my gay friends and sing lots of LGBTQ-themed songs all night! Now THAT'S a movement no good media person should miss.
jaysays said:I suddenly have the urge to go there and sing "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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Permalink Reply by Kim on -
OhMyGayHell!!!! WTF?? I'm with you!! Let's all agree to get together and go unload on the bar!!! Maybe then they will see how much money we spend and how much fun we can cause!!!!!! LOL!!! (=
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Permalink Reply by Kim on
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jaysays said:I suddenly have the urge to go there and sing "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror Picture Show.
That reminds me...I need to get my "Rocky Horror" vhs out and watch it again!!!
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Permalink Reply by jaysays on
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The bar that my friends and I go to for karaoke is a "straight bar" although its swarmed with gays - mostly because the KJ is a total "fag hag." I love it there. We were going to a different place before and sometimes had issues with the patron's making snide remarks. One old lady approached me and said, "You people need to go downtown." -- which I didn't understand at first until she continually approached me to repeat it and became more and more horrible. Finally, she she left, but was chased out by a group of angry patrons (mostly heterosexuals) demanding her apology.
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Permalink Reply by ms madlock on -
IM FROM IL AND I AM FUCKN FLABBERGASTED!!!! WE SHOULD GO AND BE REAL GAY AND ACT A FOOL ALL NITE LONG!!!
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Permalink Reply by ColorFulSoul on -
thats so sad... peoria is one of the biggest towns near me. oye
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Permalink Reply by Jo on -
Yeah, I think an evening of LGBT-themed music, performed by the Rainbow Clan folks, could be VERY instructional (and damn fun!) for everyone there. And now I've got "Sweet Transvestite" going through my head... (laughter)
Heck, beats something ridiculous like the Theme to Green Acres... (evil grin as I contemplate those who are susceptible to the power of suggestion...)
jaysays said:I suddenly have the urge to go there and sing "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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