Summer 1990 saw a lull in the murders. However, the queer community was grappling with violence of another order: police brutality. An underground party known as the Sex Garage sparked clashes between LGBTQ+ protesters and police at a time when relations were already strained. Sit-ins and kiss-ins were shut down; demonstrators were injured. Ultimately, the incidents were to spawn a non-violent response: a festival celebrating diversity.