Gay hookup site advert causes controversy in Detroit

A billboard for gay hookup site Squirt.org, in Detroit, Michigan, causes controversy and is removed.

The billboard, which was located close to the interstate (East McNichols and Riopelle Streets), featured two men who are lightly touching in a manner implying sexual familiarity, while the text promotes Squirt.org’s service as a way to hook up with other men.

The backlash to the Squirt.org advertisement raises numerous questions on attitudes towards sexuality, discrimination, and obscenity in the USA.

“I’m Catholic so I believe in the bible and I believe that, that is, like, one of the worst, oh man,” were words used by one Detroit resident when describing their reaction to the advertisement.

“What is not known in regards to each reaction to our ad is whether people are taking exception to the promotion of gay casual sex or that the billboard features gay men,” said Attila Szatmari, digital business director for Pink Triangle Press, Squirt.org’s parent company. “Either way, it is very concerning and touches upon a larger issue in society.”

“Our campaign is running in many cities in the US, including Washington DC, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles, so we are very disappointed to see this reaction and the subsequent removal of the advertisement, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to get our advert seen” added Szatmari.