A Kentucky food truck vendor is under fire for selling LGBTQ T-shirts — and not for the reasons you might think.
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Traditionally, the acronym ‘LGBTQ’ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer in the gay community. However, Jamie Smith, owner of Belle’s Smokin’ BBQ in Williamstown is being bombarded with criticism for stealing the acronym for his own purposes.
Instead of supporting the gay community, Smith is now selling T-shirts from his food truck that read “I support LGBTQ — Liberty, Guns, Bible, Trump, BBQ” which has prompted outrage from across the country.
“Wearing that shirt is f-cking offensive,” Williamstown resident Ariel Lewis said.
“But here’s the bottom line, it’s not just a simple acronym,” Facebook user Chad Reynolds wrote. “GLBTQ are already waking up every day with a mountain to climb in terms of acceptance. The last thing we need is a food truck mocking us.”
However, not everyone was offended.
“I’ll proudly wear one or any of their shirts,” wrote Facebook user Connie Thomas. “These are great people and awesome food. People really should get over being so sensitive about everything.”
After selling out his collection inside the food truck, Smith said the T-shirts went viral on social media and created a waiting list. Still, he acknowledged how the apparel may have been offensive to some.
“If this has offended anyone that wasn’t our intention, it was just a good play on words,” Smith said. “We apologize if we have offended any groups of people, organizations or individuals with our shirts. We respect all beliefs and lifestyles and want no ill will towards anyone.”
Still, with Kentucky squarely in the middle of the Bible-belt and unapologetically Trump-loving gun country, Smith intends to keep selling the T-Shirts. He’s stumbled on a gold mine for his southern barbecue-loving good ol’ boys and he’s not ready or willing to give that up.
He couldn’t come up with any other name beside this? smdh