Remembering the Victims of Pulse: A Call to Action for the LGBTQ+ Community
Seven years ago, on June 12, 2016, the LGBTQ+ community was shattered by the news of a horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The attack claimed the lives of 49 people, mostly LGBTQ+ people of color, and left dozens more injured. It was a painful reminder of the violence and hate that still exist against the LGBTQ+ community and the urgent need for us to come together and fight back.
Pulse Remembrance Day, observed on June 12th, is a time for us to remember the lives lost in the tragedy and to honor the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made since that dark day, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for equality, justice, and inclusion for all.
As a pride organization, we believe that Pulse Remembrance Day is an opportunity for us to call our community to action. We must recognize that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over and that we still have much work to do to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people are valued, respected, and protected.
One way to honor the victims of Pulse and support the LGBTQ+ community is to get involved with local organizations and initiatives. This might mean attending a Pride parade or event, volunteering with a local LGBTQ+ group, or making a donation to an organization that supports LGBTQ+ rights.
We also encourage our community to engage in advocacy and activism. This can take many forms, such as writing to your elected officials, attending protests and rallies, or simply speaking out against hate and discrimination when you see it. By taking action and standing up for what is right, we can honor the lives lost in Pulse and help build a more inclusive and just society for all.
On this Pulse Remembrance Day, we remember the victims and countless others who have been affected by hate and violence. We stand with the survivors, their families, and the entire LGBTQ+ community, and we renew our commitment to the fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all. We will not be silent, we will not be complacent, and we will not stop until we have achieved full equality and safety for all members of our community.