Remembering the Up Stairs Lounge Fire

 

LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Presents

Up Stairs Lounge 50th Anniversary Commemoration Weekend

June 23–25, 2023
Hosted at The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans Marriott, and St. Mark's United Methodist Church

REGISTER NOW

 

In 1973, the deadliest fire in the history of New Orleans occurred in a small gay bar in the French Quarter. The Up Stairs Lounge (604 Iberville Street) was a refuge of love and acceptance in the New Orleans community until, in just 19 minutes, it became a symbol of tragedy and rejection. 32 people perished and 15 others were injured in the fire, and the New Orleans LGBT+ community was changed forever.

At the time, local police did not consider the tragedy a top priority. One officer told a reporter, “This was, after all, a queer bar.” No elected official responded publicly to the fire. Archbishop Philip Hannan denied the victims Catholic funerals. Radio commentators joked that the victims’ remains should be buried in fruit jars. The arson at the Up Stairs Lounge remains officially unsolved despite being the deadliest crime against LGBT+ people in US history until the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando.

June 23–25, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will host a 50th anniversary commemoration to document and share this overlooked event with the community and honor the victims and their families. The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to be a community partner and co-host of the event.

Program Schedule

This summit will officially mark half a century since the destruction of the Up Stairs Lounge. At the event, we will preserve the memory of the trauma, honor the lives of those lost, consider progress made since that time period, and discuss how far we have to go. Attendees will join in dialogue with a full slate of speakers, presenters, and performers to contend with the newly resurgent, international awareness of this once-neglected past.

 

SERVICE AND COMMEMORATION

Saturday, June 24, 2023
3:30 p.m.
St. Mark's United Methodist Church (1130 N. Rampart St.)

The public is invited to gather for a service honoring the victims of the fire, followed by a traditional jazz funeral from the church to the site of the Up Stairs Lounge (604 Iberville Street) where a candlelight commemoration service will be held.

 

EVENTS HOSTED BY THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to be a community partner and host for this important program. All events at THNOC are free and open to the public, but RSVP is required and space is limited. View the full event schedule and register here.

Friday, June 23, 2023
  • 6 p.m. –7 p.m.

    Keynote Discussion (520 Royal St.)

    Please join us as we kick-off the weekend's events. Authors Johnny Townsend, Robert L. Fieseler, and Clayton Delery will discuss the tragedy and its complex legacy, followed by a community reception at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Admission is free with RSVP required. Register Now

    8 p.m.–9 p.m.

    Community Reception (520 Royal St.)

    Attendees of the commemoration weekend are invited to a community reception at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Admission is free, with RSVP required. Register Now

Saturday, June 24, 2023
  • 6:30 p.m. –9 p.m.

    UPSTAIRS INFERNO Film Screening (410 Chartres St.)

    THNOC will host a film screening of the award-winning documentary film, UPSTAIRS INFERNO. Filmmaker Robert L. Camina will provide an introduction and answer audience questions. Refreshments will be provided. Free admission with RSVP required. Register Now

EXPLORE THE FULL SCHEDULE

On Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25, 2023, New Orleans Marriott, Galleria 6 will host panel discussions, film screenings, and dramatic performances. Visit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana's website to view the full schedule, pricing, and to register.

 

SUPPORT

This program is made possible through the generous support of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Crescent City Leathermen, New Orleans & Co., St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, The New Orleans Marriott, The Faerie Playhouse family, St. George’s Episcopal Church, The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The New Orleans Culture and Tourism Fund, National WWII Museum, American Townhouse, Odyssey House Louisiana, and David Campbell.

Resources

For more information about the fire and its aftermath, please see these additional resources.