To the Man Wearing the MAGA Hat at Badlands on Friday Night...

Congratulations—you achieved exactly what you set out to do. Your choice of attire disrupted the atmosphere, shifting the energy of the bar entirely.

Badlands, located at K and 21st, is more than just a bar. It’s an LGBTQIA+-owned and operated sanctuary—a space where my friends, loved ones, and I, whether gay, lesbian, trans, or otherwise, come together in safety and solidarity. A space that stands in stark opposition to the ideology and community symbolized by that hat.

So imagine my shock when not only were you allowed to remain, but the staff actively shielded you from the understandable frustration and fear of the patrons. When questioned, management’s response was simply: “We don’t have a policy regarding political attire.”

I spoke to multiple employees who expressed feeling anywhere from uncomfortable to outright unsafe. And they weren’t alone in that fear. At one point during the night, while people were dancing, a balloon popped. This has happened multiple times in the past without incident. But this time, it sent multiple people to the ground, terrified that an attack was happening. That is the level of anxiety and distress this situation created.

In response to the overwhelming complaints from both staff and patrons, a discussion reportedly took place with owner TJ Bruce. His initial reaction was to ban MAGA gear in the bar, which seemed like a reasonable and appropriate decision. However, what followed was a policy change that feels more like a business owner too afraid to take a stand: “Going forward, we will no longer allow political attire of any kind.”

This is the same bar where I’ve gathered to watch political debates and election results roll in. This is a space that has never shied away from politics because, for queer people, our very existence is political. There is a stark difference between wearing a Harris hat and a MAGA hat. That red cap has become a symbol of hate—of transphobia, racism, and misogyny. I believe a stronger, clearer stance banning MAGA gear specifically would be more in line with what Badlands stands for.

I encourage the community to reach out to TJ / Badlands (https://www.instagram.com/badlandssac) and let him know how you feel. As a gay person in 2025, I firmly believe we must be intentional about where we spend our money, who we allow in our spaces, and the messages we send through our actions.

And finally, to the man who wore that hat: Leave your hate—and your hat—at home. Despite security’s best efforts, you were confronted multiple times because that hat is more than just an accessory. It’s a symbol of the hate and bigotry it represents, and seeing it forces us to confront the pain it carries. I hope you have the life you deserve.