Michigan town renamed 'Gay Hell' as part of political statement

HELL, Mich. – A small Michigan town named Hell has been renamed "Gay Hell" as part of a YouTuber's political statement.

Comedian Elijah Daniel purchased three days of naming rights to the town and changed the name to make what he said is a statement against President Donald Trump's decision that no U.S. embassy may fly the rainbow flag.

Daniel said he wants to encourage his young YouTube followers to become politically active. Today in "Gay Hell," there was a typical crowd. Families were snacking on ice cream or playing putt-putt golf -- nobody seemed to have a problem over the temporary name change.

John Colone, who owns the city, said it's not a political statement on his part. He also said that about 70 percent of the reaction online and over the phone has been positive.

Colone said Hell is a place to laugh and have fun no matter what name you give it. He just wants everybody to get along.


About the Authors:

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.