"Not so sure I agree with the way Zaharakis is doing this. It seems a little naive to think that discriminating against those straight woman who most likely support gays rights to have any effect on gay rights.  Woman turned away at the door are more likey in my opinion to resent being turned away. Zaharakis seems to think that turning them away will make them run staright to their congressmen and demand gay marrige so they can hang out in his bar. Sounds like someone might be a bit delusional if you ask me."

(Taken from an opinion piece on the issue that was randomly choosen off google)

This line of thinking reeks of privilege, in the sense that those making the argument are solely looking at how Zaharakis' decision will effect the straight women. When I look at this situation I see a business owner trying to create a safe space for his patrons - one where they do not have to be reminded of the rights they have yet to be granted by our heterosexist society. This is not discrimination.

I will concede that many bachelorettes who are turned away may harbor a resentment for the club (although I truly hope that resentment would not effect their stance on gay rights!) but this does not mean Zaharakis' decision was wrong. He should not have to base his decision concerning bachelorette parties on how it effects the opinion of the privileged class (in this case heterosexual women) - it is the responsibility of these women, rather, to understand the privilege they have in society and understand how their celebration could very easily make another person who does not have the same opportunities as them, but deserves a fun night out just as much as they do, very sad.

On this note, I do understand the women's desire to celebrate at a gay bar - being free from the worry of being hit on or taken advantage of by straight men, surrounded by friends and potential friends (who won't try to proposition them) and getting the opportunity to take in a drag show are all understandable appeals. Its interesting that women seem to be seeking out gay bars more and more when going out - for the "safe haven" they provide from sexual attention.

This is a perfect example of oppressions being linked - straight women go to gay bars because our culture makes it socially permissable for straight men to invade a woman's personal space, especially in bars, even when she is not interested. In turn, the people who gay bars exist to serve - gay patrons who are in need of a safe community - must now deal with the heterosexist bachelorette parties who come in seeking a safe-haven from sexual harrassment... these women deserve a safe space to celebrate, thats for sure, but their safe space should not come at the expence of the gay patron's safe space.

There has to be some way to do away with both of these insances of oppression, and dealing with the cultrual mindsets that allow harassment of women and keep gay marriage from being legalized is an honorable and amazing goal to work towards, but in the meantime I want to make myself known as one voice that commends Zaharakis' decision to stand firm in creating a safe space for his patrons to have a fun night out, regardless of the impact it has had on his profits - his decision is, in my opinion, the best one for his patrons in this social climate.

(Putting ALL opinions on the issue aside, it is truly amazing in my opinion to see someone standing up for something they believe in, even though that belief is losing him money. I wish more people had Zaharakis' convition.)