Buttigieg fundraiser moved out of LGBTQ bar in Providence

The dancer pole at a downtown Providence bar has been propelled into the presidential race after Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg's campaign moved a fundraiser out of the venue shortly before it was scheduled to begin Friday night, offending the proprietors.

Buck Asprinio, owner of The Dark Lady on Snow Street, told WPRI-TV that campaign staff arrived shortly before the fundraiser featuring Buttigieg's husband, Chasten, was set to begin and asked bar staff to move the pole.

When they didn't remove the pole, which is fixed to the LGBTQ-popular bar's ceiling, the event was moved to the Hotel Providence.

"We guess this is what the gay candidate does to the gay community! We’re open, we’re here, we’re queer, get over it! #downonthepoles #dancersforanyoneelse," The Dark Lady posted on its Facebook page.

Buttigieg is the only gay candidate in the presidential race.

The Buttigieg campaign Saturday declined to discuss the reasons for moving the fundraiser, but offered this statement:

"Our commitment to LGBTQ+ spaces is strong and we always strive to hold events in inclusive spaces," Buttigieg Deputy Press Secretary Tess Whittlesey wrote in an email. "Pete and Chasten know first-hand how important it is for members of the LGBTQ+ community to have a safe space to gather and our campaign would never do anything to intentionally disrespect such a space."

It also provided a list of more than 40 campaign events "held with the LGBTQ+ community over the course of the campaign."

Buttigieg came to Providence last November for a fundraiser and rally that was closed to the press.