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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

3 Floyds embraces LGBT equality on Dark Lord Day

Indiana brewery will present Big Freedia in concert to make anti-RFRA statement

David Lindquist
Big Freedia will perform Saturday at 3 Floyds Brewery.

Add Indiana's largest microbrewer to the list of companies voicing opposition to the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Munster-based 3 Floyds Brewery will present gay rapper Big Freedia as part of the entertainment roster on Dark Lord Day, the annual event in which thousands of beer enthusiasts gather to buy a limited-edition Russian imperial stout.

Freedia (pronounced Free-da) joins Saturday's lineup that boasts metal bands Corrosion of Conformity, Obituary, Pallbearer, Kylesa and Publicist UK at 3 Floyds headquarters, 9750 Indiana Parkway, Munster.

3 Floyds co-owner Nick Floyd told Chicago's DNAinfo.com website that his company wants to distance itself from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

As originally passed in the Indiana General Assembly, RFRA could allow business owners to refuse services to same-sex couples.

"One lady even wanted to sell her (Dark Lord Day) ticket," Floyd told DNAinfo.com. "I had to tell her we're on your side. We're fighting back, and the best thing to do is come here and support us."

RFRA proponents said the law is needed to protect those with strong religious beliefs from government overreach, but opponents said it would allow discrimination, particularly against gays, lesbians and transgender citizens.

On April 2, Gov. Mike Pence signed a revision that eliminates the potential erosion of LGBT protections in communities, including Indianapolis, that have local anti-discrimination ordinances protecting sexual orientation and gender identity.

In addition to presenting Big Freedia in concert, 3 Floyds will unveil new beer Big Freedia Ale -- described as a pink daiquiri-esque Belgian Ale.

Billed as "Queen Diva" of New Orleans, the rapper (otherwise known as Freddie Ross) stars in Fuse network reality series "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce."

General admission tickets to Dark Lord Day were priced at $30, and the event is sold out.

In Indianapolis, independent record label Joyful Noise is selling a compilation titled "50 Bands & a Cat for Indiana Equality" through May 31. The project will raise funds for Hoosier groups that promote LGBT equality.

While Dark Lord Day festivities send a message of condemnation to Pence, the governor is expected to sign into law legislation that allows 3 Floyds and other microbreweries to triple beer production.

Floyd told DNAinfo.com that he thanks Pence for that pending move. But his opposition to RFRA is firm. "It gave Indiana a black eye," Floyd said.

Call Star reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.