UpStairs Lounge Fire

Plague in New Orleans dedicated to the Upstairs Lounge

The Upstairs Lounge arson attack occurred in 1973 at a gay bar in New Orleans. It was the last day of gay pride weekend and Metropolitan Community Church was holding their services there on the second floor. At the time of the fire about sixty people were were listining to music and discussing an upcoming MCC fundraiser. 

At around 8 o clock the fire was started and everyone in the bar was running for safety. The bartenders, pastors, and even members of the church were all trying to save one another and get everyone to safety. Unfortunately not everyone was saved and thirty-two people ended up dying in this 16 minute fire. Since people ran back in to go save people, it was seen in the aftermath of the fire that some of the people died with others in their arms trying to get them back to safety. 

After the fire the arson attack got a lot of coverage and the victims all had funerals in which were recognized all over the city. Reverend William P. Richardson of St. George's Episcopal Church agreed to hold a small prayer service for the victims of June 25th. Lots of people didn't agree with him for holding a service so he recieved over 100 complaints and a mailbox loaded with hate mail. Eventually two memorial services were held at Unitarian Church and St. Marks United Methodist Church. During the time of the funerals a few anonymous individuals stepped up and paid for three unknown men's burials.