The Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) in Palm Springs has once again ignited a backlash. This time, for promoting their upcoming right-wing gathering as “A Normal Gay Social.” LGBTQ activists said that LCR announcement was a “dog whistle” referring to Vice President JD Vance’s campaign statement about “normal gays” implying much of the queer community was radical and too progressive. Originally planned for April at The Tropicale, a well-known local hotspot, the event promised “community, common sense, and cocktails.”
However, after intense criticism, Tropicale’s owner, Tony DiLembo—who once served as queer favorite Barbra Streisand’s personal chef—asked LCR to find another venue. Vance coined the term “normal gay” and claimed that “normal gay guys” would vote for them just to be left alone. LCR Palm Springs has now embraced the phrase, defending their event as a stand against what they call “radical left” queer politics. One of their recent posts said, “we love our country. And that sets us apart from the radical left, which insists that to be truly “LGBT,” one must embrace Marxist economic policies, open borders, and lawless streets. No thanks.”
But many LGBTQ+ individuals have fired back, rejecting the implication that those outside LCR’s ideology are “abnormal.” One critic wrote, “I’ve yet to meet anyone… who doesn’t want a strong economy, safe neighborhoods, and good schools. What that tells me is you need to get out more.”
