Liberation Weekend: The Trans Punk DIY Music Festival That Could Spark a Movement
Briefly

In Washington, D.C. at midnight marking the start of Pride Month, the band Ekko Astral delivered a thrilling performance at DC9, performing a mix of covers and original songs. The festival, occurring against the backdrop of President Trump’s recent legislation aimed at restricting gender-affirming healthcare, emphasized urgency and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. This inaugural Liberation Weekend featured various indie bands, showcasing the deep personal connection of protest music as articulated by members like Carmen Castillo, who highlighted the emotional power their lyrics have in challenging anti-trans sentiments.
"As the clock struck midnight and Pride Month began, DC9 was that place, and Ekko Astral was that band, cycling through crowd-pleasing covers and originals."
"With the Big Beautiful Bill threatening to pass the Senate, the message of this new music festival couldn't be clearer: No hesitation, the time for action is now."
Read at Pitchfork
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