Bar Owner Who Offers ‘Beers For Breeders’ Discount Has Something Even Dumber Planned This June
While the owner claims his upcoming event isn’t anti-LGBTQ, his social media posts and timing tell a different story.
The owner of a bar and restaurant in suburban Boisie is planning a two-day event called “Hetero Awesome Fest” during June, drawing criticism for its timing and messaging during LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Mark Fitzpatrick, who owns the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, announced the event will take place June 20 and 21 in Cecil D. Andrus Park, directly across from the Idaho State Capitol. According to promotional materials posted on social media, the festival will feature live music, vendors, and speakers “defending traditional family values.” A video shared on Instagram describes the event as “a movement, a celebration of faith, family and freedom, right in the heart of Idaho.”
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In another promo video, Fitzpatrick says the event was inspired by his family’s difficulty finding an alternative activity during Pride events last June. “Can’t go downtown to Boise during that time because of Pride Fest and everything that happens with it,” he laments. “What if we celebrated God’s design for sexuality? What would that look like? And within a few seconds, I thought, ‘Man, heterosexuality is awesome.’”
However, Boise Pride has not held events in June since 2020. It’s been held in September since 2021, but that hasn’t stopped Fitzpatrick from using June as a platform for what he describes as “celebrating the traditional family.”
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Last year, Fitzpatrick launched what he called “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” at his bar, with themed specials such as “Beers for Breeders” on Mondays and discounts for straight couples on Wednesdays. At the time, he said there was “no hate at all” involved, calling it “a love thing.” Despite that framing, Fitzpatrick’s social media accounts have posted content describing the LGBTQ “agenda” as “wicked, perverse, and victimizing children.” He has also claimed that LGBTQ Pride exists “so people can march down the street doing disgusting and criminal activities.”
Straight pride events are unfortunately nothing new. In 2019, a group called Super Happy Fun America held a “Straight Pride Parade” in Boston that drew around 100–200 attendees. A similar 2021 event in Modesto, California, ended in multiple arrests.
The dynamic has drawn comparisons to movements like “All Lives Matter,” which dilute the specific injustices faced by marginalized groups. Events like “Hetero Awesome Fest” redirect attention from communities still fighting for legal protections, healthcare access, and cultural acceptance.
