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March to a beat of “Different Drummers”: 1981
Washington Area Spark posted a photo:
A banner from the gay marching band “D.C.’s Different Drummers” is carried on the grounds of Francis Junior High School at 24th and N Streets NW June 21, 1981 after a leading a Gay Pride Day march to the site from Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) Park.
About 11,000 people took part in the 12th annual event according to the Washington Post in a festive occasion that involved music, food and booths selling goods.
However, a pall was cast over the event by an incident a week before when two men threw tear gas into Equus, a southeast Washington bar catering to LGBT people.
A number of local political figures made the customary rounds including Marion Barry, David A. Clarke, Sterling Tucker, Betty Anne Kane and Hilda Mason.
For more information and related images, see flic.kr/s/aHskcVHcxD
Photo by Walter Oates. The image is courtesy of the D.C. Public Library Washington Star Collection © Washington Post.
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