The tragic fire at an underground art work space in Oakland has cost 36 lives and counting.
I have been to plenty of parties in my time, ranging from dubious to clearly dodgy spaces. None resulted in a tragic incident; all were amazingly inclusive and led me to make friends or just brief acquaintance of people I would never expect to meet in any other course of my life. These places are amazing at creating refuge for the isolated, persecuted and hopeful and never seemed to have an ounce of hate at them.
I had been fighting a mix of emotions about the Ghost Ship - how I could easily have been at a similar incident, how unknowing people simply looking for a safe space to enjoy themselves could find themselves unknowingly in such tragedy. Friends had promoted the artists at the event in Europe a few years ago and this is how it abruptly ends.
Then, by reading, I learned a friend had lost their sister in the fire. I am at a loss. So - Feral Pines - I never met you but am shaken by your loss. And all of those who lost their lives - I am at a loss to describe how sad I am that a night of freedom, joy, dancing and friendship should end like this. May you all rest in peace and the marginalized continue to make sure they seek a way to acceptance.
I have been to plenty of parties in my time, ranging from dubious to clearly dodgy spaces. None resulted in a tragic incident; all were amazingly inclusive and led me to make friends or just brief acquaintance of people I would never expect to meet in any other course of my life. These places are amazing at creating refuge for the isolated, persecuted and hopeful and never seemed to have an ounce of hate at them.
I had been fighting a mix of emotions about the Ghost Ship - how I could easily have been at a similar incident, how unknowing people simply looking for a safe space to enjoy themselves could find themselves unknowingly in such tragedy. Friends had promoted the artists at the event in Europe a few years ago and this is how it abruptly ends.
Then, by reading, I learned a friend had lost their sister in the fire. I am at a loss. So - Feral Pines - I never met you but am shaken by your loss. And all of those who lost their lives - I am at a loss to describe how sad I am that a night of freedom, joy, dancing and friendship should end like this. May you all rest in peace and the marginalized continue to make sure they seek a way to acceptance.
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