Peoria Gays React to Unwelcome Sign ("WE ARE NOT A GAY BAR!!")

Chicago Tribune ^ | Erika Slife

[nickcarraway]

In bright yellow capital letters, the sign on the karaoke bar in downtown Peoria was clear: "WE ARE NOT A GAY BAR!!"

The local gay community got the message. And it apparently was just the rallying cry it needed.

In a flurry of forwarded Facebook, MySpace and text messages, a coalition quickly mobilized and dozens of gay rights supporters lined up last weekend outside The Elbo Room to express their outrage. The sign, they said, might as well have read, "Gays are not welcome here."

"The sign was basically a sign of intolerance, and we're not going to stand for it anymore," said Stephanie Worlow, 27, one of the organizers of the protest that drew nearly 40 people. "It's time that we as a community stand up for ourselves. We're not going to stand for intolerance anymore."

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The group held three protests last weekend, one of which drew the attention of paintballers, who fired on the crowd. Police had no suspects in that attack.

On the heels of Iowa and Vermont legalizing gay marriage this month the gay community in Peoria—a substantial but previously low-key population—said it had already started to find its voice. Three months ago, a Web site, outandaboutillinois.com, was launched to connect the gay community. And protesters last week formed a group called One World, One Equality and planned to go to Springfield this month along with other gay-rights supporters to lobby for civil unions.

"This is the first time we've mobilized for a situation like that," said Dawn Scally, 35, of Peoria Heights. "Let's finally do something and get together and stop taking everything as it comes. Let's take a stand and try to have a voice for the community."

[nickcarraway]

[Dallas59]

The sign should have read..”We Do Tolerate Gay Cruising”.

[pnh102]

Ok so go to a different bar.

[Dallas59]

Whoops... “We DO NOT Tolerate Gay Cruising”

[andy58-in-nh]

That still doesn’t explain the Miller Lite sign.

[DoughtyOne]

I would sure love it if the other 98% of the community would find it’s voice and turn this intimidation on it’s head.

That’s the problem with people whose main goal in life is to look out for their own families, and not screw everyone else into the dirt. They’re too busy providing for them to confront small splinter groups who are determined to force the majority to bend to their will.

[Soprano]

Gay activists are nothing but a bunch of divas and drama queens. They’ll throw tantrums if you give them anything short of adoration.

[nickcarraway]

You are saying that is a mixed message?

[SaveTheChief]

Heh. I’ve never been so proud to call Peoria my hometown!

[AppyPappy]

If you have to explain that you are not gay, you probably are gay

[andy58-in-nh]

Some people might be forgiven for taking it the wrong way.

[freekitty]

Me too. Who says you have to like anyone? Only the governmemt and the MSM media whores.

Stand tall.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"The sign was basically a sign of intolerance, and we're not going to stand for it anymore,"

Yeah. And the term "breeder" displays all kinds of tolerance.

[Argus]

Barney’s Beanery in West LA used to have a sign like that, years ago. By now it probably IS a gay bar. (Haven’t been there in years).

[Varda]

My grandmother owned a restaurant that served drinks. She controlled who came into the place by controlling the music selection. It was oldies all day long. The clientele was decidedly older and sedate.

[Responsibility2nd]

The owners of The Elbo Room are smart and shrewed.

Look at all the free publicity they are getting.

And when the queers are through having the pathetic little protest and have buggered off.

The Elbow Room can move on to with plenty of thirsty new patrons who appreciate a nice straight watering hole.

[tumblindice]

http://www.rathergood.com/gaybar

[Soprano]

Straight people should rally against gay bars for discriminating against their straightness.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

That still doesn’t explain the Miller Lite sign.

I think the message is a s clear as the beer. Miller Lite is the gay beer for the gay bar.

[LearsFool]

On the heels of Iowa and Vermont legalizing (imaginary) marriage this month the gay (sic) community in Peoria—a substantial but previously low-key population—said it had already started to find its voice. Three months ago, a Web site, outandabout(todieofaids).com, was launched to connect the gay (sick) community. And protesters last week formed a group called One (sick) World, One (in)Equality and planned to go to Springfield this month along with other gay(sick)-rights(wrongs) supporters to lobby for civil unions(sickening).

ROFL! Whatever country this story is from has truly become a laughingstock!

They need to post signs at their border crossings that say "Kick me! Stick a fork in us, cuz we're done! Come right in, take our stuff, run us out, and laugh all the way to the bank! We promise not to resist!"

If we were interested in expanding into an empire, now would be a prime time to attack, when these losers are such a depraved and weakened condition. Like a flimsy Hollywood set - just kick the wall and the whole thing would simply collapse.

Hey wait just a second....This is happening in MY COUNTRY!!