Sign in Karaoke Bar Leaves Many Uneasy

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By Michelle Mantel

Story Published: Apr 8, 2009 at 4:49 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 8, 2009 at 6:23 PM CDT

Some Peoria residents say they're outraged because of a sign that was posted at a local Karaoke bar Sunday night.

News 25 received many phone calls regarding this sign that was allegedly hanging up at the Elbo Room.
The sign emphasized that the establishment is not a gay bar, but rather a Karaoke bar.
That sign sparked contempt among some individuals who saw or heard about it.
The founder of a gay and equal rights website says bars shouldn't be based on any body's sexual orientation.

Dave Barker of OutAndAboutIllinois.com said, "We need to stop wondering and asking or applying labels to people as they walk in to the bar, can you be here or can you not? You know, I should be able to go with my partner to a restaurant and sit and I don't sit and think about who does what with who what their label is, we like to go in, have a nice mean and move on like everyone else."

News 25 made several attempts to contact the Elbo Room's Owner but has not yet received a response.

Friday, Apr 17 at 2:11 PM MikeInMaryland wrote ...

What if the sign said "This is a Catholic bar - non-Catholics are not welcome"? or "Irish get too drunk and spoil the karaoke - Irish are not welcome"? or "The Black bar is down the street"?

Saturday, Apr 11 at 7:00 PM funny wrote ...

so if diesel put up a sign that says, This is a gay bar can all the strait people protest since that bar used to be a strait bar for years? lmao I say we need to all protest diesel!!!!! strait people need rights to!! you know there are dance clubs, strip clubs, sports bars, karaoke bars, and gay bars... I think he is just simply stating that its not a gay bar... its a karaoke bar. Just because gay people hangout there doesn't mean the owner has opened HIS business as a gay bar.

Friday, Apr 10 at 10:04 PM Steve Mcubbings wrote ...

I had a great time that night that it was written. I would like to come out of the closet and say that I love the Elbo Room!!

Friday, Apr 10 at 10:02 PM Idiots wrote ...

The Elbo room has been packed the last few nights, having some of their best nights ever. Finally shed the image of a gay bar is helping the business. Your protest backfired. Tried to hurt his business with protest and you are actually helping it and looking like fools in the process. Keep protesting.....hell you might get paid for it for more media attention in the future.

Friday, Apr 10 at 2:14 PM Quit lying wrote ...

Greg Quast is a hypocrite He sits in the Basketcase and talks about the gays quite frequently.

Friday, Apr 10 at 11:11 AM was it an epiphany wrote ...

I think Mr. Quast had an epiphany, maybe jesus spoke to him, he realized that the gays help support his alcohol addiction!

Friday, Apr 10 at 10:55 AM cris wrote ...

I think it is a publicity stunt to get more people to come to their place of business

Friday, Apr 10 at 9:50 AM O. 4Pete's Sake wrote ...

I wrote earlier & it wasn't posted. Stop the censorship. There is a show called Q---r Eye labeled by the homosexual community. Yet, it becomes offensive if I say, We are a Non-Q---r Eye business. So, Slang words can only be verbalized if your a part of that "slang" community? This is circular reasoning & bigotry. I vote for Freedom Of Speech & defend your right to say what you think & feel!

Friday, Apr 10 at 7:49 AM Kareoke Dedication wrote ...

Here is my kareoke dedication to Mr. Quast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ITZBBV8Syg

Friday, Apr 10 at 7:47 AM Dedication wrote ...

Here is my kareoke dedication http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ITZBBV8Sygto Mr. Quast:

Friday, Apr 10 at 6:26 AM ERICA wrote ...

GOOD JOB ODEM!!!!

Friday, Apr 10 at 12:51 AM Chitwngrl wrote ...

Dont just post a comment like that without explaination..you are the one that Gays Hate...I would like for you to say what gays? Because I am gay and I dont know you and I Dont hate You!!

Friday, Apr 10 at 12:39 AM The one the gays hate now! wrote ...

Greg Quast made a public apology regarding incident. The apology is on WMBD's website. I also received a personal apology as well. He has taken responsibility for the incident and "would like to apologize for the unrest". Let's grow up and accept the apology! I'm gay and I'm ok with the outcome and am ready to move on!

Friday, Apr 10 at 12:30 AM Chitwngrl wrote ...

This whole thing doesnt make much sense?...Or that its worthy of a rally. Gay man said when he was in there havin a drink and saw the sign he felt threatened..why...Girl on TV said that the owner has kicked out several gay couples and made it clear he dont care for gay people.Then why would you continue to go back?! It was a Gay Bar for many years before he bought it and Obviously its not anymore so Open a new gay bar here /go to the ones that r left or Go to the places that R Gay Friendly

Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:51 PM Astonished wrote ...

Wow! In these hard times, it takes someone pretty ignorant to leave a message like that up. Why not just lock the doors now. He better sell before he looses everything. I'll give him $50 for the place. An intelligent person would have erased the sign and fired the bartender. That is just bad p.r. no matter who is targeted. PRIDE!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 10:20 PM gm wrote ...

Gay people have straight sexuality thrown in our faces everyday. You see a straight couple walking holding hands, a straight couple kiss. Don't say that gay people flaunt their sexuality more.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:15 PM The Bible wrote ...

Jesus should be returning any time now to set the record straight.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:13 PM Try this on for size wrote ...

Your worried about this. Have you ever seen Lee Hall do his impression of Mick Jagger while doing Karaoke? Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:12 PM Beware of Elbo room wrote ...

You could walk in and be accosted by terrible renditions of Wham, Boy George, or even Elvis. Enter with caution.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:05 PM Jarret Parker wrote ...

I'm a drug addicted alcoholic and I am the one who caused this whole mess. If you would like to contact me about it you can find me at Alexanders where I wait tables. I had a bone to pick, no pun intended, and I pulled it off. I apologize to all parties involved for my short sighted ignorance.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:01 PM Transvestite wrote ...

This whole thing has me really confused

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:00 PM Microphone wrote ...

Dude! Gay Karaoke is the bomb!!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 6:57 PM Reverse Psychology wrote ...

I'm straight and I got thrown out of the Elbow Room. This is an unjustice to straight people around the world!! Let's protes. Let's pickett. Where the hell is the news for that? I'm scared to go into Diesel now. The world is just so wrongly lubricated!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 6:54 PM Rainbow Brite wrote ...

This really is making the gay community look like a bunch of asses.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 6:52 PM Kermit the Frog wrote ...

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and meeeeeeeeee!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 6:50 PM Somewhere over theRainbow wrote ...

Hope there wasn't any gay black guys in there at the time, otherwise the Rainbow Push coalition will be there in minutes.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 6:48 PM The News wrote ...

Caterpillar is laying off people left and right. People are losing their jobs and their houses. Apparently the gay community is unaffected. Way too much time on their hand to complain about this meaningless trash. Scared to go in there, what a joke!!! I'm sure they are all at Sparky's planning a protest now. Get a life!! Maybe they can get the abortion clinic protesteres to join them because this whole uproar needs an abortion!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:35 PM moveon!!! wrote ...

I was in the Elbo Room Mon night and find it funny that Steve McCubbins (that was on the news) said he left feeling scared. He was laughing and joking with the bartender the whole time he was there. Looked like he was enjoying himself and didn't look like he was "offended and scared" to me.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:28 PM blurb wrote ...

The owner is an idiot. Next?

Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:24 PM bleep wrote ...

FEEL THE LOVE SING A SONG ISN'T THAT WHAT THE ELBO ROOM IS ALL ABOUT?

Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:15 PM TwoPekinGuys wrote ...

I may be showing my age here, but if I remember correctly, the Elbo Room used to be the Quench Room. Which was a Gay bar at the time. We've been in there a couple of times, (although not recently) and still had a good time. Even as a joke, it was in bad taste. If the bartender did write it, he/she should apologize to the person it was intended for, and that person should be gracious enough to accept it.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:57 PM The Z wrote ...

I was just in the Elbow Room for the first time sat nite. there wer people fro any walks of life there I found it very entertaining. The Bartender looked to be 5/6 months pregnant, The owner, or well the guy who was pointd out to me as being the owner seemed to be a little a little drunk no wasted side. and does a buisness get its identity from the customers or the owners/ mgmt. there was several people I wondered about their sexual prefrence, but there was also a homeless man too

Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Ironic how after that night of his bday party, someone posted that rude comment on the sign.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:53 PM Let's be real! wrote ...

Doesn't matter who wrote on the sign - it clearly states - if you are gay, please leave and go to Diesel, which is way better anyway! My question is, why doesn't the owner have anything to say about this? I've heard nothing but terrible things about him! I was in the Elbo Room last Saturday for one of my friends' birthday parties. He is gay. And I felt like we were treated differently and some friends felt like they were skipped in line to sing. Give me a break!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I think this is all a little crazy! and frankly anyone that can sit through Gregs Thunder Road with his harmonica is more than welcome at the Elbo room!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:43 PM Theresa wrote ...

I have been to the Elbo Room many times and have even commented to the bar tender that it seemed like a gay bar. There are A LOT of gay people who hang out there. My friends and I felt a little out of place at one time, feeling like the minority.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:46 PM Chaka Kahn wrote ...

I am so glad that Jarrett Parker whom works at Alexanders formerly working at the Elbo Room dismissed from there for shady behaviour had his moment of fame. Of course he will play the good guy in all of this but anyone knowing of his character will take all of this for what its for. Was it wrong,yes,was it in bad taste,yes should there be an apology for bad behaviour,yes and that is where it all should have started but then Jarret Parker would still be looking for a way to get his moment of fame

Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:01 PM You've got to be kidding me!! wrote ...

What a joke! I find this whole thing hilarious since I am str8 and once was told that I was taking the job of a gay person while bartending at a gay bar.I have MANY gay friends. They have never been treated any different than I have by the bartenders or other customers frequenting the Elbow Room. If you think you are being treated wrong or getting bad service, as with any other establishment, don't go there!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:55 PM If you were in the bar....... wrote ...

If you physically seen the sign and were offended please call the Illinois Dept of Human Rights @ 217-785-5100 and file the complaint

Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:06 PM One more comment wrote ...

I am in COMPLETE agreement with "ket it be" Those pointing the fingers truly do need to get a life....therein lies the whole problem.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:03 PM Troublemakers beware! wrote ...

Fact,like most bars, there are "cliques" of people looking to spread evil and ill will. Fact, sign was written by a bartender, employed by the owner. She knows her name. Fact, this "clique" believes to have a grasp on the entire community regarding right and wrong, up to and including, holding "round table" meetings to discuss the lastest infraction and what action to take. KKK? These (3)people should cease and desist. Legal action is underway on this matter so prepare to defend your actions!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:22 PM let it be wrote ...

If all of those who made negative comments have time to focus and make that much fuss about it then you need to get a life. One of my very good friends is gay and I don't look at him any different. There should be NO different places that they can or can not go into. It's ignorant people who bring this world down and cause others heartache. You should be proud of who you are. I am proud that he is my friend and would go anywhere with him. Gay men and women are people too so them be themselves an

Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:17 PM Seriously wrote ...

Usually after this kind of nonsense a professional owner would make a statement that would confirm or deny what happened. Obviously this owner could care less so I hope he is fined.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:52 AM Stop Blaming Others wrote ...

I think this is all terrible! Everyone is pointing their fingers at everyone else when the blame lies on the owner - the one responsible for the appearance and management of the establishment . . . quit blaming this person and that person. Joke or not, it was in poor taste and mever should have been left up!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 8:03 AM Iluvkaraoke wrote ...

Wow! The Elbo Room on the news! I was a regular at that bar for years with lots of good times! Straight or Gay has never been a topic of discussion there before.The fact is that karaoke bars are fun and a way to show off your pipes.Besides, who is going to sing all those songs from musicals?!

Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:24 AM WOW wrote ...

A lot of comments on this...

Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:54 AM Burger Queen wrote ...

This is outrageous...karaoke 7 nights a week??? thats too much.

Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:55 AM RollMyEyes wrote ...

OMG...big deal. Each and every day somebody...somewhere...is offended and life goes on. Psst, there are even people that would trade you (cough) 'problems'.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 11:37 PM blown out of proportion wrote ...

Me and my boyfriend frequent the elbow room often. The owner is a drunk, and is often seen just being a drunk.. But every bar has those. And the two female bartenders are completely non-homophobic!! This has completely been blown out of proportion and before this "rally" is to take place the facts need to be set straight. There are so many more things that need to be focused on. Not on a bar that actually is welcoming to the gay community!! Me and my friends will still go to the Elbow Room!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 11:12 PM a friend wrote ...

Anyone remember Matthew Shepard? I do. A sign was in the Elbo Room, indicating gay people are not welcome and should go down to the gay bar, where they "belong." So this kind of ignorant hatred is still being displayed today. Maybe it will never go away. But we better never get over it, and shout about it every chance we get. Let it go, and maybe one day it will be your brother hanging on the fence. The Elbo Room needs to make a public apology, or much business will be very deservedly lost.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 11:03 PM alsostraight wrote ...

I luv gay bars and the Elbow Room is one of my favorite bars. my good freind Mad dogg once said there is no such thing as gay bars all kinds of people go to all kinds of places. So get over it luv one another and have fun.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 9:20 PM From Ptown wrote ...

Born and raised in peoria and see its still keeping itself classy..ha. Moved to a small rural town and glad I did. This sign is just the tip of the iceberg of why peoria has the reputation that it does. Next time I visit should I expect this is not a mexican bar???

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 9:09 PM Rodney King wrote ...

Can't we all just get along....and sing a song...at a little karaoke place up the street from downtown. Just be happy, no need for frowns, we can all hold hand and sing the Village people in a sing along!!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 9:04 PM elboe room junkie wrote ...

The Elbow Room rocks. They welcome everybody and is a good time. Don't knock it until you try it. And that goes for straight people too, lol.!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 9:01 PM chitwondgirl wrote ...

There are many churches who collect money in there trays from gay people. So if they believe it is fundamentally wrong to be gay they are not going to turn away their money either. So go attack the gay priests molesting boys and the churches taking their money as donations. And find a life too.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:58 PM burt wrote ...

What a riot. Must be a slow news day.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:52 PM chitowngrl wrote ...

The owner has made it quite clear over the years that he has no problem taking money from his gay clientele But care for gay people. I went in there years ago and never because of his attitude. the sign is correct tho..it is not a Gay Bar. there is only one bar in Peoria that states itself as a Gay Bar.The days of The Club Peorian,Quench Room, Red Fox Den,Davids and the old DJ's are Gone.It was absolutely wrong and distasteful for that being posted as it would be if it pointed out any other grou

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:48 PM And another thing wrote ...

The owner often goes to some bars that are run by people of the gay community which he is friends with. But hey, don't get the facts. Just put on your running shoes and jump on the discrmination bandwagon, cause life is just sooooo unfair!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:43 PM For the Record. wrote ...

For the record. The owner didn't write that on the sign. A bartneder who was fed up by a patron wrote it as a joke, and that is it. Blown way out of proportion. And everybody who goes to that bar on a somewhat regular basis knows this.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:30 PM straight again wrote ...

Maybe if people were straight as they should be there wouldn't be an issue

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:27 PM Chitwngrl wrote ...

The Owner has made it quite clear over the years that he doesnt care for Gay people But he has no problem making money from those who have frequented his bar. I went in there once years ago and never returned because I am not going to give my money to someone that would spit on me otherwise. I Believe it was Very wrong for him to post that sign , Extremely Wrong!! But on the other hand he is right, it is not a Gay Bar.It is A Bar that anyone has the right to go to.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:14 PM If Jared was gay and black wrote ...

Jesse and Al would be coming to town!!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 7:57 PM Mountians outta molehills wrote ...

I know the inside scoop on this. It was a joke taken way out of context by someone who is gay and causes much trouble in that bar. It is hilarious that this has reached this level. Absolutely hilarious. If you know the bar and the people that are regulars there you would know that this is absolutely ridiculous. Just sniffing around for some sort of injustice because your life is that unmeaningful. Way overboard. Gay people I've talked to are laughing at this. Get a life!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 6:47 PM Devil's Advocate wrote ...

Aren't there "gay bars"? Why is it OK for there to be "gay bars" but not bars that are NOT gay bars? HMMM?

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 6:14 PM Dave Barker wrote ...

Every person has their own personality and we're all different. Is it really "flaunting" just because they have a different personality? Maybe it's just that they are being who they are. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's wrong!!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 6:01 PM Quit crying wrote ...

Also, there is no "character of humans being". It is caled behavior, mostly learned. If you behave like a straight or gay or oppressed individual, some has to teach you that behavior.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:59 PM Quit crying wrote ...

str8guy I respectfully object with your comments. You must be in a CLOSET of your own. You must not be in a position to hear people complain about lame "civil rights" issues. There are people out there who just complain and cry, this is one of those situations. It is a sign get over it, that's life there are always going to be people who are haters and as unforunate that it is, it will never go away and crying about doesn't help their cause. It only makes people dislike them even more.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:51 PM Get over yourselves wrote ...

I have no problem with gay people, but there are some that come in and flaunt they're sexuality to an extreme...straight people do not do this...when these people come in it makes them uncomfortable, not because they are homophobic but because it is being pushed in they're face, from my understanding this sign was a response to constant questions about such behavior.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:43 PM str8 guy wrote ...

I don't feel there are any cry baby's except for maybe the owner of the Elbow Room. That sign seems like a cry to me. As far as the "flaming attitudes" its called character of human beings! Get out of yourself!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:29 PM str8 guy wrote ...

To all who care about human rights please boycot the Elbow Room!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:29 PM Quit crying wrote ...

My goosh Peoria is full of cry babies. You have the African Americans constantly pulling the race card and blaming the police for everything that THEY brought upon themselves and now you have the gay community crying about being labled. I thought you all wanted to be recognized, you sure let everyone know let EVERYONE know your sexual orientation by some of your flamming attitudes. Everyone get over yourselves and just if someone upsets you get over it don't be such little cry baby's.

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:27 PM Gay in a foreign land located in central IL wrote ...

I am not at all suprised, but more so appalled. I have been to the Elbow Room, and enjoyed myself, but I am now taking it as if my money is not welcome there. The movie Milk was released this year, and if you have seen that moving which takes place over forty years ago, it makes me wonder what has changed. The only thing is that we can not get hauled off and thrown into a paddy wagon for being at a "gay bar". If I owned a buisness, all customers who are putting food on my table would be welcome!

Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:10 PM straight wrote ...

It's not the owner that determines the bar's reputation, it's the clientele. I've been in the Elbow room, it does feel like a gay bar. Big deal.

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