Would you support a business owned by a queer person who once endorsed a homophobic politician?
New York Post. Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.OutNYC Hotel Owner to Revive "Gay-Friendly" Venture on W42nd Street @ILoveLGBTBiz – Ian Reisner revives LGBTQ hotel concept at former OutNYC location in Hell's Kitchen, embracing inclusivity with dining and nightlife venues. #ILoveGayhttps://t.co/YaXXkho1lI“It’s a gay hotel where straight friends and family are welcome too,” Reisner, 55, told the outlet. “It’s a reorientation, and a kind of play on words.”This is also a second act for Reisner who is no stranger to LGBTQ-friendly spaces as he previously co-founded the Out NYC Hotel in the same location in 2012.
The Out NYC also housed the restaurant KTCHN and the gay club XL. Reisner also purchased a bulk of the commercial businesses in the gay beachside mecca of Fire Island Pines, including two restaurants, the Pavilion night club, a pool deck, and boat docks.By 2015, Reisner was running a large chunk of queer spaces for gays in the New York area.
And then it all blew up in his face.In April 2015, Reisner and his partner Mati Weiderpass hosted a dinner at their NYC penthouse for proud anti-LGBTQ+ Senator Ted Cruz, who was running to be the GOP presidential candidate at the time.
In addition to breaking bread with the proud homophobe, Reisner donated $2,700 to his campaign.The Ian Reisner/Ted Cruz Saga Continues With $2,700 Donation Cover-Up http://t.co/FNsckvb3fz pic.twitter.com/6gPnO5JsADAround the same time, Reisner hosted a private fundraiser for Republican Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson and also donated $2,700 to his senate re-election campaign.Reisner’s support for the anti-gay politicians, who were vehemently against same-sex marriage becoming the law of the land, caused an uproar in the queer community.
