INDIANA: Prominent Lesbian Among Those Killed At State Fair Stage Collapse

A well-known Chicago area lesbian was among the five people killed yesterday when high winds caused the collapse of the stage at the Indiana state fair. Christina Santiago was the programming manager for the Lesbian Community Care Project at Chicago's Howard Brown Health Center. An ardent country music fan, Santiago and her partner were near the stage to hear the Grammy-winning duo Sugarland. The announcer had just advised the crowd on evacuation procedures when the tragedy struck. In addition to those killed, dozens were reported injured.



WARNING: This video may be upsetting.

Army Approves Atheist Concert

With the Army's approval, there will be an "atheist concert" at Fort Bragg. I have no idea what an atheist concert would be like.

"You know those goosebumps you get when your favorite song hits that sweet spot? I got those," said Sgt. Justin Griffith, main organizer of the event and the military director of American Atheists, in an email. "I was overcome with joy and a sense of vindication." The plan is to hold the event on March 31 at the main parade field at Fort Bragg, where the Christian-themed Rock the Fort concert was held. Famed atheist Richard Dawkins is scheduled to appear, along with musicians, speakers and other entertainment. "This just might be the turning point in our struggle for acceptance," Griffith said. "I mean it. I get letters daily from service members asking for advice on how to `do something like what's going on at Fort Bragg'."

The concert is being staged partially in response to recent Christian rock concerts approved by the Army.