The glitter doesn’t mix with the red caps—at least not at Badlands. The iconic LGBTQ club in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights has officially banned all “MAGA-related attire” after a patron showed up in a signature red “Make America Great Again” hat, sparking tension and discomfort among regulars.
The club’s owner, TJ Bruce, announced the new rule on Instagram, stating the MAGA branding was making guests feel unsafe. “This decision is not about banning political beliefs,” the statement read, “it is about ensuring that Badlands remains a space where our community feels comfortable and supported.”
Originally, Badlands considered banning all political apparel, but Bruce decided a targeted policy made more sense. The final verdict? Keep the politics—and the red hats—outside. The move follows a nationwide trend of queer spaces re-evaluating what “safe space” really means in an increasingly polarized political climate.
The MAGA Hat That Sparked a Storm
Steven Bourasa, the man in the MAGA hat, said this was his first time wearing the cap to a gay bar. “I said, ‘What the heck? Let’s see what happens,’” he recalled. Nothing did—at least not that night. Bourasa claimed he had a perfectly pleasant experience at Badlands and was surprised to later learn about the ban. He still plans to return, but next time his wardrobe will be Trump-free.
Others, however, didn’t see the situation as harmless. Clubgoers and neighbors pointed to the hat’s symbolism in the current political climate. “Given how the administration has been treating certain groups, especially the LGBTQ community, I can understand why they made that decision,” said Alice Malmberg, who lives nearby.
Mixed Reactions from the Queer Right
Predictably, the Sacramento chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans had some feelings. In an Instagram post, they called the policy “a disappointing move” that undermines inclusivity. “True equality is not about silencing opposing views,” they wrote, “but about creating spaces where diverse perspectives can coexist.”
That’s a noble sentiment, but it’s also worth asking who really feels safe when MAGA symbolism enters a gay bar. Let’s not forget that the MAGA movement has often aligned itself with anti-LGBTQ policies—from opposition to trans rights, to support for “Don’t Say Gay” laws, to pushing book bans and drag restrictions. For many queer people, the red cap isn’t a political logo—it’s a threat.
Protecting Queer Space Is Not Censorship
Some critics are quick to cry “free speech” anytime a private venue makes a decision like this. But the First Amendment protects you from government censorship—not a club telling you your hat is a hard no. Badlands is within its rights to draw the line, especially when the attire in question aligns with rhetoric that often targets the very people the bar exists to serve.
If a piece of clothing is enough to make a queer person think twice about their safety, then yes—it absolutely matters. The queer community has fought too hard for inclusive spaces to let divisive politics stroll in wearing a $30 cap from a merch stand. Badlands’ move sends a clear message: in this house, bigotry—even in accessory form—isn’t welcome.