Frank Perez reflects on the void left by the missing plaque for the Upstairs Lounge fire victims, a poignant reminder of a time when being gay was unacceptable. He emphasizes its significance within the LGBTQ+ history and contemporary political climate, saying, "This was a seminal moment in our local history, and especially given our current political climate, it's very, very important to remember what happened here and the city's reaction to it."
The Upstairs Lounge fire in 1973 was one of the deadliest attacks on the LGBTQ community, claiming 32 lives and leaving a lasting impact. Perez notes how the lounge was a welcoming place for all, stating, "It was a bar that didn't care if you were black or white or gay or straight. And even in the LGBTQ community at the time, that was different."
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