Boise, Idaho — In a bold act of protest, an LGBTQ musician took to the stage at the “Hetero Awesome Fest” in Boise, Idaho, and used his platform to perform a song that spoke out against discrimination and advocated for the transgender community.
Protest Song in a Conservative Festival
The musician, Daniel Hamrick, is a Boise-based performer known for his work at Renaissance festivals and with his band, Buzzbomb 7 Eleven.
Wearing a “battle jacket” with a rainbow Pride heart and an upside-down American flag, Hamrick, a veteran who served as an Army ranger, used his performance at the festival to convey a powerful message about the struggles faced by transgender youth.
Hamrick’s performance, which was live-streamed and quickly went viral, aimed to reach children and young adults, particularly those in conservative or religious families who may be forced to hide their true identities for their own safety.
“I believe that anyone who’s out has a responsibility to be gay and loud for the people who have to be gay and quiet,” he said.
Festival and Controversy
The “Hetero Awesome Fest,” organized by Mark Fitzpatrick, the owner of the Old State Saloon in a Boise suburb, was created as an alternative response to LGBTQ Pride Month.
The event celebrated “traditional family values” and featured live music, conservative and far-right speakers, and local vendors. However, Hamrick’s presence at the event was not expected, as he used it as a platform to promote the rights of transgender individuals.
When Hamrick took the stage, he was ready to challenge the festival’s narrative. Initially wearing a button-up shirt and a baseball hat, he revealed a Canyon County Pride cropped T-shirt and his military beret as he began his song, “Boy.”
The song, which is about the struggles of a transgender boy, includes lyrics like: “They put him in dresses to keep him in line; they say it’s a phase and it’s all in his mind.”
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Festival Reaction
The performance did not go unnoticed by the festival’s organizers. As Hamrick continued playing, one of the organizers pulled the microphone from him, and security escorted him off the stage while he finished the song acoustically.
Hamrick had clearly entered the space with the intent to challenge the festival’s ideals, which were in direct conflict with his own values.
In response, festival organizer Fitzpatrick described Hamrick’s actions as “pathetic and evil,” criticizing the musician for dishonoring the military and for pushing what he termed “transgender ideology.”
Despite the uproar, Fitzpatrick proudly stated that the event had been a success, claiming millions of dollars in publicity, which he saw as a victory against what he described as the “Left wing PRIDE nutjobs.”
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Support and Reflection
While some supporters hailed Hamrick as a “hero,” he downplayed the title, instead shifting the focus to those on the front lines of activism. “If it inspired a lot of people to get involved, that’s a wonderful role for me to have,” Hamrick said. “But it is just a small part. If you want to send love, send it to your organizers. Send it to the people who are putting together protests, who are doing food drives for unhoused people.”
Next Steps for Hamrick
Despite the backlash, Hamrick and his band, Buzzbomb 7 Eleven, are moving forward with recording the song “Boy” and others, aiming to release it to a broader audience. The message of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community continues to resonate, even amidst the controversy.
What Are Your Thoughts?
What do you think about Hamrick’s actions at the “Hetero Awesome Fest”? Do you believe it was an important act of protest or an inappropriate disruption? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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