In July, an Idaho bar that gained internet fame in June with its “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” is now hosting a dating event sans vaccination requirements.
The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho is the place where the magic is set to happen. The event, dubbed the “unvaxxed Singles Meetup,” has created quite a buzz on Facebook, garnering over 2,500 interactions and comments. The event flyer on Facebook questions the scenario of a boy meeting a girl without vaccinations…in a bar?
There’s been a mix of reactions on social media, with users expressing both eagerness and skepticism about the event. Some have even used the hashtag “pureblood,” a term commonly associated with anti-vaxxers who believe that vaccines could contaminate the blood.
The discussion took an interesting turn when Bryan Burleigh raised concerns about the treatment of vaccinated individuals who faced job mandates. The saloon’s response acknowledged the issue as a dark part of history but the users weren’t entirely convinced. Some even speculated that Burleigh might have left his job due to vaccination requirements.
During the pandemic, many employers, especially in the federal government and healthcare sectors, mandated vaccines for their employees. This led to resignations or terminations for those who opposed the mandates.
According to USA Facts, an estimated 70% of Americans (around 230 million people) will be fully immunized against COVID-19 by May 2023. However, Idaho lags behind the national average, with only 57% of its population fully immunized. The state has a vaccination rate of less than 1% for booster shots. The data from the CDC indicates that COVID-19 has caused over 1.2 million deaths in the US since the beginning of 2020.
Idaho, known for its red state political leaning, saw Donald Trump win in 2020 with over 64% of the vote. Trump has been criticized for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and masks, and Idaho did not enforce a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic.
The bar’s controversial move to replace Pride Month with “Heterosexual Amazingness Month” has faced backlash, with reports of theft, vendors refusing to engage, and cancellations of services. However, supporters have rallied behind these initiatives, with the bar raising over $15,000 on the GiveSendGo app to support the dedicated month.
The upcoming events at the bar include “Hetero male Monday,” where any straight guy dressed the part will get a free draft beer, and “Heterosexual Pairs Day,” offering a 15% discount to heterosexual couples on their bill.