Idaho saloon that hosted ‘Hetero Awesome Fest’ could become gay bar
The Old State Saloon (Instagram/oldstatesaloon)
A notorious Idaho saloon could soon get a very different identity.
Last week, a fundraising campaign launched with the goal of buying the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho and transforming it into an LGBTQ+ bar, nightlife venue and community space. The Old State Saloon announced it was up for sale on 20 August.
The campaign, led by Montgomery Kuykendall, is aiming to raise $3million to purchase the property and its liquor licence. The saloon itself is currently listed for $2.4million, while the liquor licence is listed separately for $500,000. As of today (27 August), the GoFundMe had raised around $6,725.
Old State Saloon owner Mark Fitzpatrick made headlines last year when he hosted “Hetero Awesome Fest”, describing it as a celebration of “traditional gender norms and heterosexual awesomeness” and an alternative to Pride events. According to KTVB, just 50 people attended.
The saloon has also been associated with other controversial promotions. Last November, it offered free drinks to people whose tips to Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in deportations.
Now, the proposed “New State Saloon” would attempt to turn that reputation completely on its head.
Kuykendall says the vision is for a permanent LGBTQ+ bar and nightlife destination, with drag performances, dancing, live music, parties and community nights, as well as a space that can be used during the day for educational workshops, art shows and nonprofit fundraisers.
The organisers say they don’t want the venue to be just a bar. Their plans include donating 2–5 percent of weekly business proceeds to the ACLU of Idaho and the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights in Boise.
“A place associated with division can become a place where people meet,” the fundraising campaign says.
There is still a long way to go. The campaign has set a $3 million target, and the purchase has not been completed. Organisers say that if they cannot raise enough to buy this particular building, any funds that cannot be used for the purchase will instead be donated to pro-LGBTQ+ and civil rights organisations.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
