Buddies Holds Fundraiser, Gay Conservatives Claim Discrimination

This past Saturday, a dispute broke out at Buddies, a gay bar, when a group of gay conservatives were asked to pay a $40 cover charge. The bar claims it was an optional fundraiser, while the conservative group claims the bar discriminated against their political beliefs. The group included Valdamar Archuleta, Colorado’s D-1 Republican Candidate, and Gays Against Groomers (GAG) chapter leaders Rich Guggenheim (Colorado) and Chris Barnett (Missouri). Buddies is located on Colfax near the state capitol.

The dispute followed the GAG rally at the capitol. The rally aimed to bring awareness to “the mutilation, indoctrination, and sexualization of children happening under the guise of LGBTQIA+ rights,” among other topics. According to Guggenheim, the group arrived at Buddies at 4 p.m. wearing various conservative paraphernalia. Archuleta allegedly wore a bedazzled MAGA hat, while others wore similar hats saying “Make Gay Bars Gay Again.”

When the group attempted to enter, they were told there was a $40 cover charge for each person. The group opted not to pay the cover and stepped outside. Allegedly, the group then asked other patrons if they had to pay the cover. The group alleges that no other individuals were asked to pay, leading them to believe they were targeted for their political views. Only after this was found out does Guggenheim allege Buddies put up a sign saying “Today’s proceeds will go to the Harris/Walz Campaign.” Guggenheim posted to social media about the dispute. The video has nearly 900 thousand views on X alone when it was shared by the Anti-LGBTQ+ account Libs of TikTok.

Buddies confirmed the $40 cover charge and that the proceeds would go to the Harris/Walz campaign. However, they denied the allegation that it only applied to people associated with GAG or the Log Cabin Republicans. According to Buddies, the $40 cover charge was put in place for one hour (4:30 – 5:30 p.m.), when business would be slow. Seven people allegedly chose to pay the cover, and the bar raised $280. Others who chose not to pay the cover allegedly returned at the end of the hour, according to Buddies.

According to Buddies, the fundraiser was planned prior to the group’s arrival. However, the marketing coordinator allegedly missed the note. The bar rectified this after patrons expressed confusion over the charge. Buddies holds regular fundraisers for the LGBTQ+ community. The following Sunday, they hosted a charity beer bust for Agenda Theatre, a local theatre troupe.  “We understand that not everyone will want to support all fundraisers,” Phil Newland, manager, says on behalf of Buddies.