"Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation" is a non-fiction book written by Robert W. Fieseler. It was published in 2018 and delves into a tragic event that took place in New Orleans in 1973.
The book focuses on the Up Stairs Lounge fire, which was a deadly arson attack that occurred at a gay bar called the Up Stairs Lounge. The fire took place on June 24, 1973, and resulted in the deaths of 32 people. It was one of the deadliest incidents targeting the LGBTQ+ community in the United States at the time.
"Tinderbox" provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the fire, the fire itself, and its aftermath. Fieseler explores the social and political climate of the 1970s, particularly the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community during that era. He sheds light on the discrimination and hostility faced by the gay community and examines the impact of the fire on the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The book received critical acclaim for its thorough research and compelling storytelling. It sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter in LGBTQ+ history and highlights the resilience and strength of the community in the face of adversity.
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