Orleans Grocer Pushes Back On Flag Criticism

ORLEANS – Outside of Nauset Farms, a Pride flag waves proudly in the air next to the store’s front entrance. But the store was left to defend the flag and its decision to hoist it after one shopper voiced their opposition to the display online.

The store on East Main Street posted a lengthy response on its Facebook page last week to one customer who took issue with the decision to display the flag. Nauset Farms is one of a number of businesses in Orleans that have opted to showcase flags and signs in support of Pride Month. 

In a message to the store, a person calling themselves a “long time customer” took issue with what they called the “rainbow colored Nazi flag” outside.

“I find it incredible that a business would choose to display such a divisive political symbol prominently,” they wrote. “Especially since it gives customers a chance to vote with their money.”

The customer went on to criticize the store for taking a stance they say is “against the majority” and vowed never to shop at the store again. They finished by telling the store to stay away from their kids, and urged them to watch as “this nazi movement you support eats itself alive.”

“Hate has no place at Nauset Farms,” the store wrote in response. “Now and always. If some in our community think us wrong in that…well, too effing bad. Shop elsewhere. Please don’t darken our door. We’re good.”

The store said in its post that criticism was received by email last summer and that it decided to share the email as a reminder of the opposition that still exists to gay and LGBTQ culture among some.

The exchange comes as Orleans prepares to host its inaugural Lower Cape Pride festivities this weekend, including a parade along Main Street on Saturday morning. Additional programming is slated to be held Saturday afternoon at the Cape Rep Theater in Brewster. A full listing of events can be found at www.lowercapepride.org.

The Facebook post was roundly celebrated, with commenters applauding the store’s defense of its decision to recognize and celebrate Pride Month.

“The silent majority wins in this case,” the store wrote. “We are certain that math and history are on our side.”