Today is Wednesday, June 24th, 2020.

On this day in 1973, 32 members of the Metropolitan Community Church were killed in an arson attack at the

upstairs lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Until the horrific attack at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando, the upstairs lounge fire was the deadliest

massacre of gay people in American history. Welcome to today in True Crime, a Parcast Original.

I'm Vanessa Richardson and today I'm joined by our guest host, Kate Leonard, of the parcast original daily quote.

In every episode, Kate brings you a dose of inspiration and mindfulness, something we can all

use a little more of. Thanks for joining me again, Kate.

Any time.

Since starting daily quote,

I've gained a new appreciation for what you do here on today in true crime

and I'm always happy to come back.

Today, we're going to dive into the upstairs lounge arson attack.

Kate's here to discuss some of the historical aspects of today's story,

while I'll cover the narrative,

and due to the graphic nature of today's crimes

listener discretion is advised. Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Now let's go back to New Orleans on June 24th congregants of the At the time festivities like Pride Weekend couldn't be held in public, but gay bars like the upstairs lounge located in the French quarter gave the LGBTQ community in New Orleans a safe place to gather.

On June 24th, the MCC hosted a Sunday service at the upstairs,

then threw a party for about 125 people with free food and beer.

By 8 PM, their numbers had dwindled to about 60.

Most of the group was gathered around a piano, taking turns playing their favorite songs.

...