Before there was "Pray Away the Gay," there were much worse techniques used to "cure" homosexuality. Forty years ago: UpStairs Lounge FireWhat happened that night was a tragedy, but it was compounded by the callous indifference exhibited by the citizens of New Orleans in the aftermath. This stain on New Orleans history (and this could have easily happened elsewhere) must not be forgotten, and it will never be removed.
Looking back: LGBT rights movement through the years These events inform where we are now and how much work there is left to do.