He said the recent attention to the policy has “helped clear misconceptions about what the policy is - we’ve seen a huge influx of women, straight couples and transgender people wanting to come in and test the waters for themselves,” Newland said. “That’s a good approach if you want to understand something, go straight to the source,” he said. The Wrangler was packed with people participating in Sunday’s Beer Bust running from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., which charged $8 per cup for unlimited refills of beer, this week raising funds for HIV prevention group “Hey Denver!” For the most part, patrons and the vastly-outnumbered protesters on the corner of 17th and Logan kept a quiet distance from each other. But one thing that’s clear is that the controversy has put community members and even groups of friends - literally - on opposite sides of the fence. “Honestly, every bar is gonna have their own rules, but I don’t understand why they don’t just let them in,” said a Wrangler patron who was in casual clothing but identified himself by drag name Brandy Alexander Bordeaux, from within the fenced-off outdoor patio near where the protesters were standing beyond. Protester Christian Marcus said he’s been to the Wrangler as a patron, “and have friends inside right now,” he said. But he’s waiting for the bar to change it’s policy before he’s willing to return.
