Page 25 - Seattle Gay News

Love and Light from around the world

by Shaun Knittel
ticular the LGBTQ LatinX community, has
SGN Associate Editor
made an impact around the world. In less than
24 hours following the attack, dozens of can-
dlelight vigils took place in cities like Seat- Candlelight vigils are a way that members of
tle, Philadelphia, and New York, as well as in the LGBTQ community have come together
countries as far away as Singapore and Germa- for decades to honor the dead, condemn vio-
ny.
lence and hate, protest a spectrum of injustices
suffered by our people, and to mourn. Vigils While it is true that candlelight vigils won’t
are an incredible display of support punctuated bring the 49 victims back to life or ban as-
by a moment of silence, with anywhere from sault weapons from reaching the hands of any
10 to tens of thousands of attendees each hold- American citizen ever again, it is also true that
ing his or her own glowing candle. It’s a beauti- peaceful and respectful reactions to violent
ful thing to see, day or night.
crime have more impact on the way people
view our community, our struggle for freedom An estimated 50,000 people gathered in
and safety, and the way we love even in the face Orlando for a candlelight vigil June 20 to re-
of hate. The reason behind why these candle- member the 49 people killed at a Gay night-
light vigils took place is ugly, but the images club, according to local LGBTQ organizers. abcnews.com
and the love that is ever present at these events At one point, after the name of each victim
is beautiful. Nobody, not even a sick madman was recited, the crowd chanted "We remem-
with an assault ri e and a handgun, can take ber them!" This tragedy that happened to the
that away from us.
LGBTQ community in Orlando, and in par-

bostonglobe.com

breakingnews.com

thenation.com

orlandosetinel.com

miamiherald.com
elitedaily.com

scoopnet.com
thenation.com

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June 24, 2016
Seattle Gay News 25