While most of the country will be waving rainbow flags in June, one Idaho bar owner is throwing a party of his own—complete with straight beer deals and anti-LGBTQ undertones.
Mark Fitzpatrick, the self-declared defender of “traditional family values” and owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, is organizing a two-day “Hetero Awesome Fest” outside the state Capitol on June 20–21. Billed as a celebration of heterosexuality and a counterpoint to LGBTQ Pride Month, the event will feature live music, vendors, and speakers “defending traditional family values,” according to promotional materials. The venue? Cecil D. Andrus Park—just a few paces from where Boise usually shines in rainbow.
In a video dripping with patriotic soundbites, a voiceover declares the festival is “more than just an event,” but a stand for “faith, family and freedom.” That alliteration seems less cute when paired with Fitzpatrick’s social media history, which includes false claims about LGBTQ people “encouraging children to cut off their sex organs” and promoting “disgusting and criminal activities” during Pride. His motivation? He claims it all started when his daughter’s June birthday clashed with Boise’s Pride Fest—though Boise Pride hasn’t actually taken place in June for several years.
An Agenda Dressed as a Festival
Fitzpatrick insists this isn’t about hate—just awareness. “Our event is not about targeting any group,” he claimed, “but about raising awareness of practices we find troubling.” His list includes children’s exposure to drag shows, gender-affirming care, and what he deems “liberal progressivism.” Despite the disclaimers, Fitzpatrick’s rhetoric has been anything but subtle, and his promotional tactics are raising more eyebrows than sponsorship dollars.
With little corporate backing, he recently set up a nonprofit called Heterosexual Awesomeness Inc. to court donations. So far, there’s been radio silence from major funders. Still, the saloon owner—husband of 22 years and father to six—presses on, using his bar’s social media to push daily hetero specials like “Beers for Breeders” and discounts for straight couples.
LGBTQ Impact and Community Concerns
For Boise’s LGBTQ community, the “Hetero Awesome Fest” is more than tone-deaf—it’s potentially dangerous. Pride Month is a crucial time for visibility, especially as hate crimes, anti-trans legislation, and extremist rhetoric continue to threaten queer lives across the U.S. According to GLAAD, 110 anti-LGBTQ incidents were documented during last year’s Pride Month alone. Events like this only serve to embolden those hostile to equality.
Despite the backlash and threats he claims to have received, Fitzpatrick has doubled down, painting himself as a champion of free speech and misunderstood values. Meanwhile, Boise Pride organizers have taken the high road, declining to issue a formal statement but wishing Fitzpatrick’s crew “the best of luck.”
The queer community, however, sees the message loud and clear: when marginalized groups claim a month of celebration and recognition, there will always be those who attempt to dim the lights. But rainbow resilience doesn’t fade that easily. Pride isn’t just a parade—it’s protest, history, and love, and it’s not going anywhere.