441 Main in Winnipeg, Canada, denied entry to Reese Buhr and his friend for allegedly using the word “gay” in a derogatory way. In a video obtained by CityNews, Buhr says in the now-deleted social media video:
“I fucking hate gays, let’s put that on the record. These fucking queers were illegal 20 years ago, my grandparents would say what the fuck, that’s fucked man.
And I’m with them on that shit, this is bullshit. They should be be legal, they should be fucking illegal, they should be arrested they should be fucking put in jail.
Do I hate gays? Yes! Where are my fucking rights as a fucking straight person? I have rights, not only queers have rights. I have a right to get in a club.”
Co-owner of the club, Nikola Maharajh, said,
“Fardad, who is one of our security guards, he is also my business partner here, was working the door that night. he witnessed someone [using] homophobic language. Obviously, he didn’t appreciate that, so he told the guy,
‘Sorry, you’re not going to come in tonight.‘
‘We really, like, preach equality here, doesn’t matter what race you are, gender you are, sexual orientation. We just really want everyone to feel comfortable, come have a good time on the weekend. So, if we let someone like that in, it’s going to ruin someone’s night.”
The club has released a statement via Facebook,
“At 441 Main we pride ourselves on diversity and quality. We will continue to defend your rights, making our venue a safe place for everyone because no matter who you are or whom you love, you are human, and we welcome you.“
Since the backlash against the video, Buhr released a video apology but all of his social media has still been suspended. Buhr said:
“I sincerely apologize to anyone I offended, and take full responsibility for my actions.“
To coin a phrase,
“Bye, Felicia!”
(Photo, Twitter screen grab; via Gay Star News)