Walking into the LGBT Center of Central Florida reveals a chaotic scene of activity. Reporters and TV crews are greeted at the door, then hustled into position to interview officials. Farther back, a room labeled simply “FOOD” is the gathering place for volunteers to exchange hugs and reassuring words over coffee and assorted treats. In the back room, a sweaty assembly line of workers fills a truck with donated water to be delivered to area blood drive centers and crisis centers. One thing you may not see, however, are tears. The volunteers here cried those out yesterday. READ MORE
President Obama to Travel to Orlando on Thursday
President Obama is set to travel on Thursday to Orlando in the wake of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in the city over the weekend, the White House announced late Monday. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement to the Washington Blade and other media outlets Obama would visit Orlando and meet with families of victims of the attack, which left 49 dead and 53 wounded. READ MORE
Floridians and others are stepping up generously with contributions to Equality Florida’s crowdfunding campaign to assist victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and their loved ones. By Monday afternoon, about 24 hours after the GoFundMe page for the Pulse Victims Fund was set up, it had raised $2.5 million, far exceeding its initial goal of $100,000, which was subsequently increased to $1.5 million and then to $3 million. More than 58,000 people have contributed so far. “Our community is reeling from this senseless act of violence, but the generosity of our neighbors, fellow Americans, and the global community continues to remind us that love and compassion will and must prevail,” Equality Florida development officer Ida Eskemani said in an email to The Advocate. READ MORE
Pulse Nightclub Gunman's Wife Knew He Was Planning An Attack, Could Face Criminal Charges
New reports suggest that the Orlando gunman's wife knew that her husband had plans to carry out an attack, and that she attempted to talk him out of it.
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In the early hours of Sunday morning (June 12, 2016), at a place that is supposed to be a safe space for the LGBT+ community, an atrocity was committed. A gunman opened fire on a happy crowd of people committing the worst mass shooting in modern US history. Of the 320 people who were in Pulse nightclub in Orlando, 49 have been confirmed dead, while 53 others are being treated for their injuries in various hospitals around the city. READ MORE
A Canadian Living in Los Angeles Reflects on Pride Events After Pulse Shooting
Grief, mourning and celebration. The view from LA in the wake of tragedy. Despite my being a journalist — or perhaps because of it — I rarely find myself actually scared by the news. Health alerts, viral outbreaks, cyclist deaths, gun crime, terrorist attacks — I’ve never really let outside events make me change my behaviour or even my general outlook on life. I woke up Sunday morning ready to head out to watch the Los Angeles Pride parade — I’ve been living in Los Angeles for three months — but a quick scan of Twitter revealed the heartbreaking news of a massacre at an Orlando gay club. There was no other news. My social media feeds and news channels were consumed with news of the slaughter. People were questioning how safe gay spaces really were in America. READ MORE
