Hundreds arrived to city hall to heal from the shootings at Pulse in Orlando at 7:00pm on June 13. An event organized by Sowyer Making was the first of its kind to be organized in the province.
The event included many members of the LGBTQ+ community alongside of many allies and organizations.
Members of the community spoke about the lack of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ folks to meet other people within the same community, “there are no gay coffee shops, no gay book shops, just gay bars.That is our safe spot” remarked Making in the opening of the event.
Alex Noel, Canadian Federation of Students – Newfoundland and Labrador chairperson said, “While we appreciate your prayers and support. Prayers are not enough to make these violent actions go away, we need you to turn those prayers into actions.”
Gerry Rogers, the first openly gay woman to be elected in the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature, said “I am proud and I am not afraid”.
“We can not legislate away hate and intolerance. But we can legislate rights. We can hold institutions accountable. We must challenge all institutions for. And yes even churches and places we worship” Rogers says, emulating Noel’s concern.
A call to action was made for members of the community to contact their member of parliament, their local MHA, as well as school administration to ask “when will we see LGBTQ+ stories as required curriculum?”
It was remarked by the Vice President of PFLAG that when students see themselves reflected in their curriculum prejudice is less likely to be carried with them for the rest of their lives.
While media sources have been calling the Pulse Orlando shootings as a massacre, it is clear that the LGBTQ+ community was specifically targeted, ensuring that the shootings were not only a massacre but a hate crime against the community.
While many are currently afraid more than even for their lives due to their sexual identity, Gemma Hickey, a local activist assures people that “I am going to take my hot girlfriend to the gay bar and we are going to dance” and encourages others to do the same.
Christina Mallay, Co-Chair External of St. John’s Pride Board, announced this years theme of Pride Week – Stronger Together – which falls during the week of July 17.