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.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.