A gym owner has gone viral on TikTok after sharing the inclusive flags adorning his workout space – which he says led “bigots” to try and “cancel” his business in an online vendetta against him.

Rick Tarleton, 37, from North Carolina, US, put up three large flags in his gym to provide a “symbol for people who have been historically oppressed” so they can feel welcome – and to help deter any potentially “toxic” visitors.

Rick, who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, said he has been assaulted in the past due to his sexual orientation – and believes he is now better able to defend himself thanks to his athletic physique deterring people.

In his small town, Rick says “racism, homophobia and misogyny are a part of daily life” – something he wants to keep firmly out of his “safe space”.

However, after his video showing off the flags went viral on TikTok (@rickstrongback), Rick claims “bigots” tracked down his business online in a bid to “cancel” him.

“I got tons of harassment from people who were openly and proudly racist and homophobic,” Rick told Jam Press.

“Many even found my business page on Google and left several one-star reviews trying to ‘cancel’ my gym – ‘go woke, go broke’, they said.

“I definitely felt beat down, but left my video up knowing that as a leader in the strength community I needed to let my message be heard. We will not tolerate bigotry in our community.”

To emphasise his message, Rick has put up three large flags at the entrance to his gym – and has plans to add a few more to the walls.

He said: “We want people to be able to have a place to build a stronger, healthier body without fear.

“Most people who take issue with a rainbow flag or the banners expressing anti-bigotry just turn around and leave.

“Most of my members already knew where I stood [when I put the flags up], but there were a few who outed themselves as bigots left promptly, knowing their hate would not be tolerated.

“Over the last decade I have experienced so many problems in the gyms and within the lifting community.

“I have watched several people get pushed out of the community due to the rampant toxic masculinity and bigotry.

“I’ve seen slurs tossed around the weight-rooms like they are casual jokes. My LGBTQIA+ friends typically avoid gyms dues to being harassed and assaulted over the years.

“We have a large farming community and I have watched the migrant workers and POCs get harassed and be told to “go back where they come from”.

“Even I have been harassed and physically assaulted for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Between all my experiences and seeing friends get harassed and bullied, I knew I had the ability and responsibility to do something – so I built a safe haven in my gym.

“While there are a lot of good people here in Western North Carolina, there is still a very vocal sect of bigots.

“That’s why I have created a safe place for my members where they don’t have to worry about racism, homophobia, and misogyny.”

In the TikTok post, Rick says: “So I run a small gym in western North Carolina and not everyone here sees eye to eye – some people are toxic.

“It’s caused a lot of problems at the gyms I’ve worked at in the past, so when I went out on my own I’ve made it very clear where I stand on certain issues.

“Now, I figured out that to cut down on some of those issues I just put up a flag like this and others in my gym right in the entranceway.

“It’s an easy test for people who are walking in off the street and they’re thinking they are going to my gym.

“I’ve had people walk in, see those flags, and turn right around and leave.

“It’s saved me a whole lot of problems.”

Rick then shows some of the flags, with one reading “Science is real, black lives matter, no human is illegal, love is love, women’s rights are human rights, kindness is everything”.

Behind him, another one shows the US flag is rainbow colours with the words “We the people means everyone”.

The popular post racked up more than 83,000 likes and thousands of comments about the “genius” idea – after being viewed by more than 370,000 people.

While he received backlash for people who disagreed with his stance, Rick also said he got an “outpouring of support”, gaining thousands of followers.

One fan said: “It’s not political, it’s moral. Thanks my guy.”

“It’s a perfect way to keep the trash out,” another person agreed.

Someone else added: “Thank you for creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people.”

“That’s how you keep out the facists,” one viewer added. [sic]

Another viewer commented: “This is the kind of tolerance and love I want to see in gyms more. I am sick of constant toxicity. This is a great repellent for unwanted lifers.”

“On the other hand, those flags are like beacons for people looking for an inclusive space. Good on you! Keep on,” someone else said.

Other viewers agreed they felt safer with displays such as Rick’s.

One person said: “As a woman weightlifter thank you. It’s the little things that make me feel safer.”

“I’d feel so safe there,” another viewer agreed.

Someone else said: “That’s the kind of gym I wanna go to.”

“Creative solution. Proactive is better than reactive,” another person added.

One viewer said: “Good job dude. I wish more places put up stuff like this. Makes it easy to find places you can be comfortable in.”

Another person put it simply: “Would make me feel safe, would train there.”

Meanwhile, some people admitted they have “misjudged” Rick based on his appearance.

One person said: “That sort of paradigm is not what I was expecting from such a buff good looking man. I misjudged you sir, thank you for giving me a chance to…”

Rick added: “While there is the small but vocal group of bigots still trying to cause problems, the vast majority of people are against bigotry.

“Other gym owners and athletes like me are standing up and becoming more vocal. Other lifters are coming forward and telling their stories and standing in solidarity.”