Please Note: This event has expired.
The film is sponsored in part by The Akron Public Library and Firestone Park Christian Church.
Festival sponsors include The Knight Foundation, TomboyX, Olivia Travel, The Akron Civic Theatre, Jilly’s Music Room, The Nightlight and LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO is a full length film documenting the nearly forgotten UpStairs Lounge arson: an event that remained the “Largest Gay Mass Murder in U.S. History” for 43 years.
On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. For over four decades, it was the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in U.S. history. Despite the staggering historical significance, few people know about the tragedy.
Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified. One-third of the New Orleans chapter of the Metropolitan Community Church were killed in the blaze, including two clergy.
The primary suspect was never charged with the crime. The tragedy did not stop at the loss of lives. There were also ... view more »
ADMISSION INFO
FREE!
LOCATION
60 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44326
PARKING INFO
Convenient Parking for Main Library includes:
:: High & Market Deck (across from the Akron Art Museum and connects to the library)
:: Super Block Garage
:: Cascade Parking Garage
:: John S. Knight Center Parking