In the wake of a mass shooting in Orlando early Sunday morning, now deemed the deadliest in US history, discussions have quickly turned to debates over guns and religion.
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“I’m a firm believer that when something happens, even something as awful as this, it’s not a sign that it’s going to happen all the time, or even again in my lifetime”, says Daniel Nardicio, a longtime gay party promoter, producer and leader in the scene for over a decade, noting that he has received emails from other venues and promoters assuring customers that they are reviewing security guidelines. “We mourn those who perished in this awful tragedy, and we recommit ourselves to fight for peace, acceptance and equality”, said Wiener, a gay man. “We’re still dying and we’re still fighting against injustice”, Goldman says. He says the region must act collectively and remove laws, which promote hate.
Another 15 or so people were in another toilet, across the hallway, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. It could have happened at any gay club, or party, or parade in any major city, but it happened to Orlando.
“Right now, I’m still in shock”, he said with a deep sigh.
Shortly after the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Donald Trump took to Twitter to condemn the tragedy and, predictably, cash in on it by calling for President Barack Obama’s resignation as well as reiterating his proposal for banning Muslims from coming to the United States.
In Vancouver on Sunday people planned to gather for a vigil at 8 p.m. PT at the art gallery to remember the victims of Orlando.
The White House and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the gunman, an American-born Muslim, appeared to be a “homegrown extremist” who had touted support not just for IS but other radical groups that are its enemies. For many, Pulse was a safe place that allowed LGBTQ brothers and sisters to dance freely and without shame, to wear what made them happy and make friends, a place to build lasting and loving bonds.
When I go see the Dixie Chicks tonight with my friends who knew Pulse, I am hoping to smile like I did in these pictures. That’s not a word I’ve spoken out loud more than a few times.
The attack was hardly the first against the gay community. We must stand up against hate, intolerance, and gun violence. We shouldn’t let fear in the shadow of violence change how we feel or how we act.
A candlelit vigil, Oxford Stands With Orlando, will be held on Wednesday evening from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.
“Try to show the love of Christ”, Hobbs said. But back then I was so clueless about being a lesbian, I thought, “I guess girls carry purses when they go somewhere”.
Police said a heavily armed assailant opened fire at Pulse nightclub, a high-energy dance club that was hosting a Latin Night celebration.
“I think its important now for people to not be passive allies, but to be active allies”, she said.
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“This could have happened anywhere”, Paul Savage told AFP news agency at the candlelit vigil. Yesterday, was there were pride parades in Boston and in Washington, DC.
