Gay club finally stops letting hundreds of queer men dance cheek-to-cheek after coronavirus cases skyrocket
A video of hundreds of men dancing in Atlanta gay club Heretic sparked outrage on social media. (Heretic/ Facebook)
A gay club in Atlanta has finally decided to close its doors until further notice, after a club night last weekend led to several partygoers contracting coronavirus.
At video of the party at popular gay club Heretic in Atlanta, Georgia, was circulated on social media, showing hundreds of men dancing close together without masks.
Coronavirus cases in Georgia have been skyrocketing after Republican governor Brian Kemp began allowing businesses to reopen as early as late April, against public health recommendations.
The video of the Heretic party sparked outrage online, with Twitter users deeming the event “irresponsible”, “stupid” and a “coronafest”.
One person wrote: “That amount of people, in that confined space is super triggering for me. I think I just threw up a little.”
The gay bar’s owners reported that two patrons tested positive for coronavirus after attending the June 20 party, but a source told The Advocate that “dozens more [were] feeling sick”.
If you were at Heretic Atlanta this weekend you should get tested. pic.twitter.com/SXif90Cxaw
— Nathan (@SinisterThings) June 25, 2020
The club’s management originally said that it would keep the venue open and continue to hold events, but begin providing free masks.
As the backlash continued, however, it has now confirmed that it will close its doors for the foreseeable future.
The club’s general manager, Alan Collins, said in a statement: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone all scheduled events until further notice so we can continue to gather more information and adjust our operation accordingly.”
He continued: “This is, frankly, a very confusing and difficult time for nightlife for customers and business owners alike.
“There is a stark contrast in the guidelines coming from the state versus the advice coming from the health community.
“Some people feel every non-essential business should close, and some think personal responsibility is key, meaning people should be able to decide for themselves.
“We believe it’s both and want to do our part.”
Collins added: “Stay Safe and WEAR YOUR DAMN MASKS!”
