Before Orlando: The (former) deadliest LGBT attack in U.S. history

[William769]

(CNN)There are some distinctions nobody wants to see passed on. The site of the deadliest attack on the LGBT community in U.S. history is one of them.

For nearly 43 years, up until Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando, that horrible title belonged to New Orleans. A fire determined to be arson tore through the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar in the French Quarter, killing 32 people.

Three victims were never identified. Several bodies were never claimed because the victims' families were too ashamed.

The story of the Up Stairs Lounge fire did not draw an outpouring of attention and sympathy. No massive vigils sprouted up across the country. Banners offering solidarity with New Orleans were inconceivable. National leaders weren't moved to condemn the attack or issue condolences. Even local officials -- including the mayor, governor and archbishop -- stayed mum. (Never mind, say experts on the attack, that twice earlier in the year these leaders issued statements, even declared a day of mourning, after fires that were far less lethal.)

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/16/health/1973-new-orleans-gay-bar-arson-attack/index.html

[yallerdawg]

1. Do people realize what a change we have made?

In a generation - in our own lives?

What a remarkable difference in those 43 years!

"We strive for progress, not perfection."

We are getting better.

Thank you for the reminder, Bill.

[William769]

2. We've come a long way.

Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go.

[Iggo]

3. "The story of the Up Stairs Lounge fire did not draw an outpouring of attention and sympathy."

Times change.

I know I changed.

It may not seem like it right now, but it is getting better.

[nolabear]

4. I lived there when that happened. The press and attention were weird.

I remember the news reports acting somewhat ashamed of reporting it, as though they were saying something nasty. There was a fire not long after (I think it was after) at The Rault Center where several women died, one of them my upstairs neighbor. It was as though the entire city came to a halt.

In a town like New Orleans where nightlife and social organizations are and were always the lifeblood of the place it says volumes about the homophobia of the times that there was so little caring.

Edited to add that it is a far, far different place today. Thank every activist that ever acted.

[William769]

5. Thank you for your perspective.

[Iliyah]

6. My heart breaks.

Mankind is it's own enemy. Love shall prevail.

[uppityperson]

7. I can not understand the problem of simply accepting each other

It doesn't matter who you care for, so long as they are good for you and you for them.

To not be claimed by your family, to be kicked out by your family or looked down up is flabbergasting to me.

Things are changing, but I don't understand too many people too much of the time. Tears for these victims, for their friends and families.

[irisblue]

8. wow! LGBT+ history in widespread release!

Thanks William.

[Bluenorthwest]

9. People also forget that Eric Rudolph bombed The Otherside Lounge, a lesbian bar in 1997

injuring five. He is known as the Olympic Bomber and the other targets are forgotten.

[cate94]

10. Thanks for posting this

I couldn't remember the name of the bar. It bothered me, because it shouldn't be forgotten.

[George II]

11. A sad and reluctant rec.