Tutu Hot to Stop ***Updated with Video & Photo Slideshow!

Posted on by Rebecca Sulock

Cantaria, the gay men’s chorus of Asheville, performs a really gay patriotic number at today’s commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots at Pack Square Park. Video by Michael Muller

Slideshow of the rally and march through downtown.  Photos by Michael Muller

The 1969 Stonewall riots were something of a defining moment for a burgeoning gay rights movement. After police raided The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village (which had a marginalized and openly gay clientele), patrons fought back. Riots erupted. And the experience led to organizing of the gay community, increase activism and the first gay rights marches one year later.

To commemorate and celebrate, there’s a series of events downtown today. First up, speakers and bands at the new Pack Square Park, followed by a march.

1 p.m. Speakers Jennifer Barge and Michael Harney

2 p.m. Workshops and Bands: Safer Sex w/ Zeek and Tuesday
Self Defense w/ Liz and Kelly
Naming, Reclaiming, and Untaming Natural Instincts for Safety w/ Shannon O’Neill
Anna Banana from Indiana
Holy Holy Vine
Cantaria

3 p.m. March through downtown, ending at Club 828 for rainbow sherbet.

Then, party at Club 828, starting at 9 p.m.
Bands, Burlesque, Date Auction, Drag Perfomances and a DJ Dance Party!
Leather Sheets
Sugarfoot Serendaders
Athens Boys Choir
Seduction Sideshow
Savage
Austonian
DJ Peeping Tron
DJ Queen, Please!
and more. Cost is $5 to $15.

Also, Firestorm Cafe and Books will screen After Stonewall on Monday, June 28, at 7 p.m.

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