DC’s Trans Rights Festival Liberation Weekend Brought An Urgent DIY Spirit To The Fore

Some of my best memories from my years going to shows in Washington, DC were made on the dancefloors of Black Cat and DC9 Nightclub. Last weekend, these DC indie music strongholds, located a few blocks from each other in the Shaw neighborhood, were home to more than their usual buzzy touring bands and scrappy local punk outfits. They hosted Liberation Weekend, a two-day festival dreamt up by DC punks Ekko Astral and a team of musicians and organizers. Billed as “two days of music & arts for trans liberty,” the fest’s net proceeds are going to Gender Liberation Movement to help fund future rallies and direct action.