Hunky Arrow star Stephen Amell made an appearance at Vancouver Pride last weekend, where he sported a novelty t-shirt that read: “I’m not gay, but $20 is $20”.
Kinda funny, right?
Apparently, not everyone thought so.
Stephen Amell (perpetually the most accidentally problematic person in the world) wore a shirt to Pride that said 'I'm not gay, but 20$ is 20$' ??? https://t.co/ZobInpOZxm
— Summer Hater™ Sonja (@infiniterain) August 6, 2018
your straight ass shouldn't have even went to pride if you gonna wear that homophobic ass shirt. deactivate @StephenAmell
— “?????????” (@mattisaiah) August 5, 2018
yeah that’s a pretty stupid t-shirt @StephenAmell Gay for Pay? unless you are, don’t make fun of our gay culture ???? we love you but… #BeKind at #Pride pic.twitter.com/zs89wKQpit
— ?an ?oyle (@ZanDoyle) August 6, 2018
Mikey Keating over at Instinct found it particularly offensive. So much so that he managed to write an entire op-ed about it.
How about we take this to the next level?
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“I don’t doubt that Amell isn’t an ally: He even appeared in two episodes of the silver screen gay Bible, Queer As Folk,” Keating writes. “But the shirt choice is just, stupid. That shirt is basically saying you’ll be gay for (low) pay.”
“I can’t believe these shirts are still in circulation!” he adds.
Thankfully, not everyone found the shirt so utterly reprehensible.
Happy #ManCrushMonday with Stephen Amell ? His t-shirt at Vancouver Pride is great – maybe I have a chance after all, eh? ? #VancouverPride2018 #Arrow @StephenAmell pic.twitter.com/7dhz8WU8jC
— Dan Farrell (@danfaz94) August 6, 2018
Stephen Amell wearing a shirt that says "I'm not gay but $20 is $20" to pride is a whole mood ??
— Misha deserves more ? (@dreamonfvcker) August 5, 2018
So this is apparently how @StephenAmell dressed for Pride. This man is the perfect ally! I want to meet him again just so I can ask to give him a hug for his amazingness! pic.twitter.com/NMNe0UrXqH
— Cameron Richard (@FaerieCameron) August 6, 2018
What do you think about the t-shirt? Take our poll below.
Vince
I’m so effing outraged by this I can’t even see straight. Ok not really.
TimothyBeauchamp
I know plenty of closeted bisexual guys who will go gay for a quarter… just sayin’… it’s a spectrum.
Paulie P
the world is too sensitive.. its funny.. get the fuck over it.
uncz1978
Sweetie, I’d be at the front of the line waving a $20.
LMBO
Goforit
I am more offended by the other guys shirt.
Jaybyrd53
me 2. Wheres the fashion police??
BGinBigD
Really!!! Stephen Amell’s shirt is just a joke. Laugh it off, queens. If nothing else, fantasize about what you could do with/to Stephen for $20! That’s want I’m doing.
PinkoOfTheGange
Even when the obits ran for pages in the late 80’s, we weren’t this easily offended, and had a sense of humor about our selves.
Brian
Isn’t there something between “easily offended” and “sense of humor”? How about an eye roll? Can’t people groan “come on, really?” without being labeled as “offended”? The poll above is ridiculous too. You can dislike this without being “deeply” offended.
PinkoOfTheGange
@brian an eye roll dosn’t make twitter.
Creamsicle
Oh my God, you’re so right. Kathy Griffin always liked gay audiences because they were her unshockable crowd, who could roll with a joke that pushed the boundaries. And she says it’s BECAUSE so many gay men and women had to live through legitimately awful things, like the AIDS crisis, or living semi-closeted lives, that they could take it on the chin when it came to a fucking joke.
I’m sorry, but the young twatter/tumblr gays are the worst. The world is full of actual systemic oppression. If a decades old joke can offend them so much then real life is gonna be really hard, especially once the Russians decide to begin expanding their borders again.
WindsorOntario
If that’s the same person as the one in the picture at the top, that facial hair adds about 20 years to him.
His agent needs to tell him to get rid of it, especially if he has the potential to look like the top photo.
tham
Agreed, beards are not a good move for actors.
jUrthe
Agreed. He needs it for his show for now though. Hopefully he can shave soon. Hiding such a pretty face
PinkoOfTheGange
is there some thing wrong with looking 20 years older?
misterjack
Disagree! He looks hot with or without.
jUrthe
They were literally selling that shirt AT pride
Donston
Cheesy nonsense like that is why I went to one pride parade at 25 and said no more.
ElPillo
Get some perspective. “I really don’t care. Do you?”
Donston
The outrage police need to chill.
However, so many of these supposed “allies” continue to get more and more lame and problematic. So many of them are not much more than leeches looking for attention, validation and to be seen as a “good”, “open-minded” person. And if they’re goodlooking dudes with six packs faags continue to abide. Never mind how it feeds into hetero-worship, which is a pretty debilitating thing for many gay/homo-leaning men. But ultimately, it’s more within the region of corny joke than “offensive”.
Brian
Hi, I’m a member of the Outrage Police Police. That phrase needs to die. People can debate things without necessarily being “outraged.” Read more books, improve your vocabulary, and maybe even buy a dictionary.
Goforit
That’s a cute trick Donston; being outraged and offended while complaining about others being outraged and offended. That is kind of like “christians” feeling discriminated against when we point out their discrimination.
Donston
This “incident” itself doesn’t bother me as much as this whole mostly corny and shallow “ally” movement.
Too many people think being an “ally” means getting naked every other day on social media, trying to constantly sell “queers” your product, appearing at pride parades for photo ops. Instead of a parade how about appearing at a protest? How about exposing and talking about instances of homophobia, trans-phobia, hate, violence, prejudice that aren’t so widely publicized? How about if you’re gonna come out but know you have no real interests in legitimately being with someone that’s not the opposite cis-gender actually taking that opportunity to discuss your internal and external struggles or dimensions, instead of too often seeming like your “outing” is mostly for the sake of convenience, attention or to attach yourself to “otherness”. So, while this one thing is nothing really, it does remind me how misbegotten and leech-like this whole “ally” thing often is.
And to Brian, yes, there many phrases and cliches that I wish would die and that serve no social or humor purposes.
JimInNEPA
The LGBTQ Community has always been its worst enemy. Being offended by Stephen Amell’s T-shirt is catfish for my batteries died. Honestly so many important issues facing us. This is not one of them. Let the story be a reminder to keep extra batteries in your bedside table.
jUrthe
He cannot do anything without offending people. He spelled Beyoncé’s name wrong, people got offended. He called out a fan for years of bashing his wife, people got offended. He left Coachella early, people got offended. He said his wife is the greatest thing that ever happened to him, people got offended.
That man in the picture with him is his gay friend and he was with many of his gay friends this weekend. If they were offended by it, I am sure they would have told him not to wear it.
Claude
This is a shirt usually worn by gay people – it is akin to “I’m not gay but my boyfriend is”. It’s a joke. Maybe a lame one but get a life people.
JoshGL
1) Get over yourselves.
2) Nice bulge.
3) Stop jacking off to Sean Cody and other sites featuring gay-for-pay models.
4) Get over yourselves.
hatleyde
Get over it. He was having fun.
jumpinjackdw
I’d be willing to pay him 20 dollars to see if he would.
tham
Russian trolls are “offended”…real gays are not…
Brian
Yeah. A handful of tweets cannot prove a trend. This wasn’t a thing.
enlightenone
Up for interpretation. Ask him. Don’t know what it means, really! If I take the positive interpretation, I would say the intent is: Being GAY is no big deal, get over yourself! I’m actually “offended” that the first pic was a hot teaser, and the others not so much.
JK 1984
Not offended at all. It is a novelty Tshirt that was apparently available at the Pride event itself although I’m pretty sure I’ve seen pictures of him last year wearing the same/similar shirt.
There are a lot of things to get offended by in this world, including pretty much everything Donald Trump says, violent beating of gay people in various countries and lawmakers writing homophobic laws. This is a Tshirt, worn by an ally at a Pride event where they were with friends/family.
Seamus66
Thank you!
rockland2u
amen, well said
DarkZephyr
This culture of “outrage” is starting to make me feel like vomiting. Its a funny freaking shirt. Dear Lord.
podesta7
Hilair.. please lighten up world.
Jaybyrd53
Cant stand the beard. It has to go and so does that t-shirt, although if more boys who are doing that(payboys)wear t-shirt like that, it would be easier to pick up a guy who isn’t a payboy. A few yrs ago it seemed like that was all you could find on gay.com as well as craigslist. Doesn’t anyone have sex just for the pleasure anymore? Seems like everyone wants to be paid.
Seamus66
He definitely needs the beard. He looks prepubescent without it. And a dork. But the shirt? Funny as hell. When did the world collectively lose it’s sense of humour?
@katz432
I think people should b able to wear what they want…we fought 4 years to have what we have today…and that’s not to infringe on others rites….not everyone is gay…thank God. ..like us…..we have to accept that…just like we hope people accept us??????
Greg
The gay community has been fighting for rights longer than four years. What rites are the gays doing? I hope they aren’t satanic. I don’t hope people accept me. Fuck ’em.
CanadianGuy62
Lighten the F up, people! Can we not take a joke? This liberal outrage over something so trivial has to stop. Political correctness run amok helped bring to office the troglodyte known as trump.
Personally, I think it is pretty funny.
Xzamilloh
Oh, this is so damn stupid. I wouldn’t be offended, I’d be looking for an ATM
Xzamilloh
I’d also like to point out that three critical tweets with barely a like or retweet does not equal a controversy or offense or worthy of an entire op-ed.
Ashke113
We gays need to get the hell over being offended by every damn thing that someone say & does these days. We need to pull the collective stick out and get a sense of humor again……
DCguy
It isn’t “We gays” if you look at the poll 97% of the people weren’t offended. This is one author, what “WE” need to do is stop attacking the entire community when one author says something stupid.
RoughRugger
I mean, it’s not the most tasteful shirt in the world for an ally to wear to show support at Pride, but damn, it hardly rises to the level of “outrage.” Can’t we think something’s a bit tacky without it being presented as the gays coming for someone with pitchforks & tiki torches?
DCguy
Is this a joke?
Terrycloth
I have seen some pretty outrageous stuff at pride parades.so much I stopped going.assless chaps..one guy had the American flag hanging out of his ass. Guys pretending to screw each other.. fake bj’s. Straights watching on the sides of the streets some with children see this ..wonder why we get a bad name.why not a t shirt and Jean’s and just march..granted it’s a party but class civility and common sense dosent matter ?
.
Greg
why not a T-shirt and Jean’s what?
russdog
I’ve marched in a gay parade with a t shirt and jeans in the 80s. I can’t be sure, but I think some of them still hate us.
PinkoOfTheGange
all chaps are ass-less otherwise they are pants, with the front cut out.
Russell1947
In this day of Trump, Putin’s & Pence’s homophobia, children in cages, traitors in Congress & the WH, so called “News “ organizations like Faux & horrible people like James woods, Ann Coulter, Laura ingraham, hannity, Carlson, Rush, milo the bleached blond twat, you bitch about an ally. Get over yourselves. Worry more about LGBTQ rights in the US, UK and other threatened countries
d2d7
OMG people get a grip, it’s funny, end of story. When you’re at Pride, look around, some LGBT are walking around with straight bashing T’s. And even some are dressed with a “fck you shock people attitude”. Pride is no longer a march for our rights or equality, it’s a party. The older generation of gay men and women took to the streets for our rights and got bashed or worst. So if he wants to wear a damn T like that, more power to him.
Hussain-TheCanadian
This nonsense is extremely similar to the “boy who cried wolf” – We don’t want to lose sight of real homophobia by ridiculously focusing on an ally who is marching in a freaking Pride parade.
$20 bucks??? (Hussain takes out his credit card)…..IM GOING SHOPPING BABY!!
sfmike64
Holy shit people are dumb.
Get a life folks. This is completely harmless. Stop being professionally offended.
LongIslandGayPhotos
I don’t know who he is, nor do I really care to look him up.
As to the tee-shirt? The previous responses about lame joke are about right.
msc1208
I saw this shirt being sold in SEVERAL tourist souvenir shops in Myrtle Beach 3 or 4 years ago. I saw it everywhere. I wondered who would actually wear it, but it certainly didn’t offend me. it didn’t offend me then and it certainly doesn’t offend me now. I know plenty of straight guys that would consent to gay sex for $20 and a lot more that would for free late on a Friday or Saturday night of drinking. I am sure it really only offends those PC types that are offended by EVERYTHING. I have a sense of humor, I also realize not everyone does, but more importantly I realize that not everything is about me or my oversensitive feelings or my sexuality. I accept that some things are intended to shock, but not necessarily offend. Those that are offended by this are the types I would be only happy to avoid in the real world.
Sheik
I’m queer as f*ck, and have a habit of being able to be easily offended. THIS IS NOT OFFENSIVE. It’s a joke, clearly between him and his friend he took the photo with, and it’s funny. I find it hilarious. If I had been at this Pride, and seen him, I’d have given him $20, myself. It’s joke, people. Get over yourselves.
gjg64
My (straight) nephew sent me a card with this on it once and I laughed my ass off.
Cardi-Gan
It’s very playful to me. He is saying I’m very close to being gay. Sounds like comradery.
davincibarnette
OMG! Please. The overly sensitive types are beyond annoying. He has been nothing but supportive of the community. It’s an f@%king joke people. One we have made about straight guys for (and, or a 6 pk of Bud) FOREVER. GTFOI
rtmartinez
Seriously?? That quote has been around for a really long time and it’s all in fun so I don’t see what the big fuss is all about. Stephen Amell has ALWAYS been an ally and I’m pretty sure he wore that to be cute and funny and that’s exactly how I took it. Calm down people….there are bigger issues out there that we need to worry about and his name is Trump!
Brian Johnson
He is an ally. WTF are people doing critizing anyone who stands up for our community? Bitchy old queens with no life!
tennisteacher2
Personally I can think of other things to get my PANTIES in a bunch over…It’s in the White House…
rbernard?
One question:
Where do I send my $20.00?
FrChris
It’s interesting that the majority of pollers are either not offended, or have answered wtf!!!
Throughout our years of criminalisation, marginalisation and stigmatisation the gay community developed a deep seated and innate sense of humour (sometimes dark humour) often self-deprecating humour. That humour still survives in the wonderful world of our drag artistes, much loved by gay and straight alike.
This t-shirt falls absolutely into that wonderful ‘tongue-in-cheek’ gay humour category that the mainstream media simply don’t understand.
So my comment is GET OVER IT!
Back in the days when Pride was starting out, ANY celebrity joining in was a celebration – now we get a hunky one and he’s prepared to have a laugh at the same time? He’s my hero…
And as at least one other poster asked, where do I send my $20
Sammy Schlipshit
Oh for goodness sake people. It’s a joke. It’s funny. It’s silly. Supposed to be all those things.
When I see the future, I see a world of folks, particularly here in the States, who will wind up with even bigger twists in their panties.
Dial it down a few notches.
The tone of outrage is at such a fevered pitch that some of the most professional, long time, successful comedians no longer play college campuses because the terrified little snowflakes are so easily bruised.
Sometimes a joke is just a joke.
Especially ones where thinking people see/hear irony, sarcasm, shinning a light on some absurdity and political observations but these dimwits only hear some made up trigger words. Poor babies.
Not sure where such drivel crept into and planted in your brains but you’re in for a long life of personal anguish.
trelin
Is this really that big of a deal. He knows his audience, and panders to it. Much like Nick Jonas, yet ya’ll drip over him. How about being outraged about the “Come In Me Bro” t-shirts sold next to this t-shirt? Isn’t that a bit of an overshare?
remyfacade
You ppl need to stop trying to be fake offended. If any of you were actually there and met him you would think it it was so funny. The fakeness is real in this strawberry generation. Stephen was an LGBT ally
Way before Arrow, and now y’all want to bash him over a shirt. News flash guys do, gay things for $20.
johnnymcmxxx
Far from homophobic, it’s funny, flirty and I have $20.
Tranceboi1
I am no offended at all. I think it is very hot. I always thought Stephen is super hot and sexy. I am sure someone that looks that good has been with guys. Get a grip people it is only a shirt. Very sexy man wearing a fantasy. I am sure many would want.
Azgaard
I saw that T-Shirt and after I stopped laughing, my first thought was, “I bet Barrowman is looking for an ATM right now!”
Thank you Stephen for being awesome!
jpcolter
This whole thing is incredibly stupid. I don’t think his shirt means anything like what people are saying. I think it’s referring to businesses refusing service to gay people. $20 is $20 regardless of who is buying the product. Get off Amells back you idiots.
heckles202
That’s really adorable that you interpreted the shirt in the way. I wish I possessed that childlike naivete.
bridyyc
He wore the gayest shorts at all of Pride. Does that make up for the t-shirt?
seaguy
Never heard of this guy but I think the shirt shows a lame attempt at being funny. But to me it comes across as saying being gay is something one can just turn on or off and he’ll do it for twenty bucks.
Bryguyf69
@seaguy – It doesn’t say that at all. You need to distinguish between being gay and gay (or same-sex) behavior. The former is a (usually immutable) state of mind while the latter is a choice. Even when practiced by gays, same-sex behavior is a choice. Just as gay actors can act is straight roles, and even straight porn, like the legendary Jack Wrangler did. Or the legendary Sharon Mitchell, who was a lesbian yet acted in straight porn.
In this case, Amell was simply mocking himself as a money-hungry slut. It says nothing about the LGBT community or homosexuality itself. He was making a funny statement about himself, period. Sadly, I’ve had straight patients who felt the same way without the humor. They were homeless or incarcerated youths desperate to survive. I’ve also seen it in gay men who escorted for older women. But the statement was still true, if you need money, $20 is $20.
In other words, I don’t find it lame or offensive. In fact, I found it so whimsical, I’m going to order a few for straight friends. I may even wear one, adding, “Going out of business sale. 10% off!”
Donston
Bryguyf69, I think you mean being gay vs homosexual behavior. But yes, any sexual behavior is a choice no matter your orientation. However, how much of orientation is state of mind vs behavior and how much of orientation is arousal and attraction vs sexual enjoyment vs sexual passion and sexual fulfillment vs romantic feelings and emotional contentment- these are things that are always going to be a bit of a debate. I have some attraction and arousal towards chicks. Yet, I still consider myself “gay” (or at least a gay pansexual).
Anyways, I just think gay4pay jokes in general is pretty passe, corny stuff. Even when used ironically. But he’s pandering to surroundings, and everyone at the parade probably thought it was hilarious or something.
Music908
Hey, I got $20… Just Sayin’…. He’s ABSOLUTELY worth more than my house, so if I could hold his hand and look into his eyes and tell him what a great time I have watching Arrow, then I’d be more than honoured to contribute to his causes and if I got a kiss on the cheek, then I would consider that a blessing.
argleflarglebargle
The only thing I find offensive about this is that I don’t have a spare $20 or I would be testing that shirt’s theory. It’s a goddamn joke people, and not a bad one. That’s someone who is insanely comfortable with who they are and doesn’t find who we are to be that scary. Good news, that is literally the thing we all wanted… can we maybe stop attacking our allies?
mujerado
So 96.24% of those who took this scientific poll found nothing wrong with the shirt, and half of those responded “Seriously?” Less than a tempest in a teapot. As usual with Queerty the controversy is nothing but click bait.
Silverbear64
This T-shirt has been around forever… I’ve seen people wearing it before. It is a harmless joke. Humans are just looking for something to be offended or outraged by. Let the poor actor alone… who gives a $hit???
WMLA04
Stephen Amel is one of the most supportive straight allies we have! We would not have the level of equal rights we do now without straight people like Stephen Amel. So just get over it! It was a joke. You can like it or not but you CANNOT claim that Stephen Amel is homophobic! Get your facts straight queens! Don’t dump on one of the most supportive straight allies we have. Silly girls, getting worked up over a t-shirt on a hunky guy you wish you could have in your bedroom!
KellyRobinsonJr
I’ll see you all at the protest of the day, after I stop at the ATM and get $20.
tjack47
Who are these highly offended people? They do it for free. Stfu!
DHT
So no one sees anything wrong with a celebrity promoting prostitution? Hopefully you don’t have a 16 year old that sees this and thinks it’s okay.
RobtheElder
I think the shirt is a hoot! I always have a spare $20 to test the premise. From what I understand Stephen Amell is on the fence, testing the water so to speak. Otherwise, why would he take a chance at a gay pride event… RobtheElder
mz.sam
$20???….Hello? For a dime I’ll suck his Canadian bacon and he can Steven me hard in any position of his desire.
jmi2
Come on… Barrowman has to be lurking somewhere behind there! he’s the ultimate trickster. not that I think Amell needs any encouragement! ?
TheFabulousThomasJ
People! People! People! We’re not talking homophobes like Mike Pence or Pat Roberson here. I can get my panties in a bunch with the best of them, but Stephen Amell? Chill, bambinos. I’m pretty certain he’s cool & on our side.
Donston
The outrage over the outrage is just as annoying as the initial outrage. Do people not realize that?
And as suspected people have taken this as merely an opportunity to drool over an “ally”. I’m completely over this whole “ally” crap. People don’t need a special word for not being unbashedly homophobic and for liking to appeal to gays.
Bob Scardino
Some people need to get a grip. It’s a t-shirt FFS. And Pride has not been a protest in years. It’s a friggin’ commercial festival these days.
Rock-N-RollHS
Well, THIS was a popular one.
I love the T-Shrit, btw. It’s cute and funny. Make a great xmas gift to those str8 boyz in your life.
Lacuevaman
I think he’s a bit expensive.
Greg
I think it’s funny. Btw, why is everything on the screen so * B I G * on the Queerty site? That drives me nuts.
ShowMeGuy
That shirt was funny 15 years ago, back when America wasn’t polluted with SJWs waddling around with sticks up their butts…..and it is still just as funny even with it being a little tired.