The promises of solidarity made after Pulse five years ago have no expiration date
It s been five years half a decade since the Pulse nightclub massacre on June 12, 2016, and it still hurts. More than likely it always will.
On that night five years ago, a gunman opened fire on revelers at the LGBTQ+ nightclub s Latin night and 49 lives were lost, mostly Latin and people of color. The city rallied around the survivors, their families and loved ones, and the LGBTQ+ community at large, demonstrating that, yes, sometimes love wins . or at least can stand a fighting chance.
In so many ways, Orlando is still reeling from the events of that night, like having the wind knocked out of you after a vicious punch to the stomach. For years.
Orlando remembers: Pulse five-year memorial events
From music and art to blood drives and candlelight vigils, here are some of the events that honor Pulse victims, survivors and first responders in Central Florida.
THROUGH JUNE 12
Acts of Love and Kindness
In honor of the lives lost on June 12, 2016, One Orlando Alliance encourages everyone to act, love and give. Share your Act of Love and Kindness on social media, tag @OneOrlandoAlliance and use the hashtag #ActLoveGive.
JUNE 5-13
Community: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy
This exhibition examines how local and global communities were touched by the Pulse shootings; see more on page 21. Although the History Center normally charges admission, entry is free for this week. Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., thehistorycenter.org
Orlando organization housing LGBTQ youth needs help after missing out on state funding
Zebra Coalition requested $750,000 for housing renovation project
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Orlando Organization housing LGBTQ youth needs help after missing out on state funding
ORLANDO, Fla. – Zebra Coalition, which helps homeless members of the LGBTQ community, says it missed out on critical state funding that would help with a renovation project aimed at expanding efforts to give kids a home.
“This is ridiculous, that made me so mad, I was shaking because I thought Zebra was going to get more beds, and we’ll get everything they always wanted, what I always wanted,” Reginald Collins said.
LGBT activists and Democrats criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for vetoing $150,000 for a program that offered counseling to dozens of Pulse shooting survivors and family members.