Upstairs Inferno

Upstairs Inferno is a poignant 2015 documentary directed by Robert L. Camina, narrated by renowned New York Times bestselling author, Christopher Rice, and featuring significant contributions from Regina Adams and Misti Ates. This moving film recounts the tragic story of an act of arson that occurred in New Orleans in 1973, and its profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

The film takes its title from The UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant and thriving gay bar located on the second floor of a three-story building in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The location was a place of comfort and camaraderie, refuge, and rebellion. In a time of rampant homophobic sentiment and discrimination, this establishment was a haven, free from judgment and full of laughter and joy, a sanctuary for those who were often ostracized by society.

On June 24, 1973, this sanctuary was defiled when an arson attack transformed the lively bar into a hellish inferno, trapping and ultimately killing 32 people. This tragic event still holds the record as the deadliest fire in New Orleans history, and until the devastating Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, it was the largest massacre of gay people in U.S. history.

Upstairs Inferno takes a comprehensive, compassionate, and intimate approach to this dark chapter in history. It is more than a historical recounting; it is an exquisitely human story that dives deeply into the heart and vein of an under-reported tragedy. The film utilizes a rich selection of archival footage, photographs, and disturbing crime scene images, as well as personal accounts from survivors, friends, and family of the victims.

Christopher Rice, known for his compelling storytelling prowess, contributes to the film as narrator. His voice guides us through this tale of loss, resilience, and the search for justice. The film also features valuable information and reflections from guest contributors like Regina Adams and Misti Ates, adding to the depth and resonance of the narrative.

Upstairs Inferno is not an easy watch as it unflinchingly uncovers the unpleasant truths around this heartbreaking incident. It calls out the glaring homophobia and discrimination that were rampant during the period, bringing into sharp focus how the victims of this horrific event were further victimized by the society of the time. It cruelly underscores how many of the victims were unclaimed by families due to their homosexuality or, where claimed, were often buried without mention of their names in numerous press articles.

The powerful narrative of Upstairs Inferno also highlights the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Amidst the devastation and despair, the film recognizes the heroes who emerged from this tragedy – those who fought for justice, those who brought the community together, and those who defied societal norms to mourn their friends openly and proudly.

Ultimately, Upstairs Inferno shines an important light on a part of LGBTQ+ history that is rarely told. It is a heartrending reminder of the suffering, fear, and discrimination that this community has faced, but it is also a tribute to the resilience, courage, and spirit of those who lived through it.

The film serves as a call for greater understanding and acceptance, an important facet of LGBTQ+ history that must be acknowledged. Its historical insight, poignant compassionate storytelling, and unflinching honesty make it a crucial watch, not only for those interested in LGBTQ+ history but also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of humanity’s capacity for both malevolence and profound resilience.

In conclusion, Upstairs Inferno is not just a film about a tragic event, but a journey into a time of struggle and banding together in the face of adversity. It is a sincere, touching, and at times, disturbing reflection of our society's past, and a stark reminder of the crucial importance of acceptance and empathy in our present and future.