The opening of a political-themed bar in Washington, D.C., sparked a community backlash, forcing the owner to remove Republican symbols from the building's facade.
Political Parties owners Andrew Benbow and Sidney Bradford on Tuesday after online critics attacked their new bar, which features a red elephant and a blue Democratic donkey painted on the front of the building. The Republican symbol was overwritten just before the grand opening. .
“What happens online at Patty’s House directly parallels what happens on a daily basis in society,” owners on opposite sides of the political aisle say. said in Statement on social media.
“Our business was judged by what we looked like before anyone had a chance to know what we were inside. Racial minorities, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, etc. All too often we become victims of prejudice, which can have tragic consequences.”
Local backlash questioned how a new bar with the slogan “Shining Light on Politics” could operate in an area surrounded by gay bars. The Washingtonian reported.
The donkey symbol and the word “Political” were also removed from the building, but the owners said they plan to replace them with large blue letters.
The pair acknowledged that Republican symbols are “toxic” to the community, but still clapped back at critics, calling the online abuse “mean.”
“We believe the recent online backlash we have received is malicious, especially given our original and continuing intent to be a space that welcomes all people, including members of the LGBTQ community.” said.
“We do not tolerate homophobia, transphobia, racism, or any other form of bigotry. As Black Americans, anything else goes against our very existence.”
They added that their facility is intended to be a fun and inclusive environment that “makes fun of politics, not the pain it often causes.”
