After massacre, grief and security fears for LGBT Americans
Julie Sibbing, 53, choked back tears as she discussed the shooting, saying it was important for her not to skip the parade. Only the White House lit up in the gay pride rainbow colors past year eclipsed it in its power.
Chris Hartman, executive director of Louisville’s Fairness Campaign, said he expects increased security at Pride-related events locally. Officials say that’s standard operating procedure whenever there’s a big event in town. And all attending the Friday game against the San Francisco Giants will receive a “We Are Orlando” T-shirt with the Rays’ signature star burst pattern in rainbow colors.
The exact number of additional officers set to patrol the area isn’t being released “due to tactical and intelligence purposes”, the police spokeswoman said.
Both Cleveland Councilman Matt Zone and State Representative Nickie Antonio called on everyone to stand together with strength, pride and love.
“Yeah, it’s just bad in Orlando, people are trying to do the same thing that we’re trying to do everywhere else and they get attacked for it”. “We’re standing up for what we believe in, and if I’m murdered for that - so be it”, said Meghan Matsuk of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey.
The parade went from 13th Street, east to the festival at the Penn’s Landing, which went on until 6pm.
Governor Wolf has ordered United States and Pennsylvania flags lowered to half-staff. “We have an active safety plan always in place for our entertainment district and Lavender Heights”.
The shooting brought Pittsburgh’s largest gay pride celebration to a brief halt.
Mayor Jim Watson issued an emailed statement Sunday offering his condolences after the shooting.
“I wouldn’t expect it to look any different than it normally does”, he said.
I went on to make some wonderful friends over the years and have had some incredible times as a result. “Lost members of the LGBT community”, Gaga said.
“A lot of us are very emotional for the most part, maybe angry”, said Jason Hernandez, with Abilene PRIDE. “It does hit home, but you can’t run and hide, you gotta do business and you gotta move on with your life because if you give up, they win”, said Weiss.
A string of activists addressed the rally, demanding respect for LGBT rights, a ban on assault weapons, tougher background checks for those who purchase guns, and stinging rebuke of Islamophobia in America.