Sacramento gay club bans MAGA gear
Badlands, a well-known LGBTQ+ nightclub in Midtown Sacramento, implemented a new policy banning MAGA-related attire following an incident that sparked mixed reactions within the community.
The nightclub, in the heart of the Lavender Heights district, announced the decision via social media. According to the club’s management, the move was made to ensure that Badlands remains a space where all patrons feel comfortable and supported.
The controversy began when Steven Bourasa, a self-identified Trump supporter, decided to wear a red “Make America Great Again” hat to the club. The hat, a widely recognized emblem of Donald Trump’s political movement since his 2016 presidential campaign, has become a divisive symbol in the U.S.
“I’ve never worn a red Trump hat to the gay bars before. I said, ‘What the heck? Let’s see what happens,’” Bourasa recounted.
To his surprise, the night proceeded without incident. He enjoyed drinks, socialized, and even complimented the club’s security team on their professionalism.
Shortly after his visit, however, Badlands announced the new policy, stating that MAGA-related attire would no longer be permitted. In a statement, club owner TJ Bruce clarified that the decision was not about silencing political beliefs but rather about fostering an inclusive and comfortable environment for their patrons.
“Moving forward, MAGA-related attire will not be allowed in the venue,” Bruce stated. “This decision is not about banning political beliefs — it is about ensuring that Badlands remains a space where our community feels comfortable and supported.”
Reactions to the policy were swift and divided. Some, like local resident Alice Malmberg, supported the move, citing the broader political climate and the Trump administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
“Given what’s been going on and how the administration has behaved toward certain groups, especially the LGBTQ+ community, I can understand why they made that decision,” Malmberg said.
Others, like Preston Romero, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Sacramento, disagreed, arguing that the policy unfairly targets one political ideology.
“This decision is not about protecting our community. It’s about bullying and singling out a particular political stance, and that’s unfair,” Romero stated.
Bourasa, who was not asked to leave the club that night, was taken aback by the new policy, believing his experience had been positive.
“That came as a surprise to me because the night out was, you know, it didn’t have any problems,” he said.
Despite the policy change, he still plans to visit Badlands — just without his MAGA gear.
