"In late November 2022, Daniel Davis Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump, and Raymond Green Vance lost their lives to gunfire while enjoying an evening out at a gay bar in Colorado Springs, CO. I speak their names in this song, recognizing and respecting their hallowed place in queer history and the fight against hate. The icon, Ms. Marsha P. Johnson, makes an appearance, as does my friend, Andy Fafoutakis, who was working at a Hell’s Kitchen bar when its window was broken by a man wielding a brick. Andy is fine. The others are not.
The day after the shooting, I felt a responsibility to respond on social media as a “public” queer artist. Then I remembered that I, too, deserve time and space to process the tragedy. This song recognizes my need to do that, but more so celebrates and mourns these beautiful, inspiring people—my chosen family. Thank you—I know I will never forget you." -Seán Barna |
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