THEGAYUK

Tag: Pulse Massacre

All the latest breaking news on the Pulse Massacre in Orlando. Browse The THEGAYUK’s complete collection of features and commentary on Pulse Massacre in Orlando.

  • OP ED: Orlando reminds us that the battle for acceptance is far from over

    “I realised that this is a battle won by love, laughter, acceptance and knowledge.”

    Dear World, From Rob (a gay man)

    I never really write anything personal on the internet, I’ve always had the opinion that my personal life is mine, and people probably don’t want to know the boring details anyway, so I post things that I think might be entertaining, and I keep in touch with my friends. After all, I don’t want to come across all soppy now do I?.

    But in the wake of the last couple of days, I’ve been itching to write something, to do something with the feelings I’ve had. Something horrible happened across the world, yet it has affected myself and the LGBT+ community as if were on our doorstep.

    Now, I probably know a few of the people reading this personally, but if I didn’t know you, I’d usually introduce myself by my name, where I come from and how old I am. Simple little details. However, I was thinking today, I’ve never even thought about introducing myself as gay. Not because I’m embarrassed, I’m so, so proud to be gay. Not because I think the other person would be offended, because I honestly wouldn’t give a shit. But because, for me, it’s not even an issue that passes through my mind. I’m a gay man, yes, but my sexuality kind of starts and ends with who I love, it doesn’t affect anything else.

    I thought to myself shortly afterwards that the only reason I have this privilege is because there are generations before me who have fought hard to get us here. Was I being selfish by not realising how much privilege I have in this day and age?
    After facing terrible adversity, the LGBT+ community has got itself to this place, where love is slowly conquering hate, and we’re progressing every day.

    But recent events remind you that it’s not over. Whilst I am lucky to enjoy all of the amazing things that come with being gay in 2016 – holding hands in public, being confident that we can go out and get home safe as a couple – there are so many others who are unable to have this, and it can’t be fair for me to have this and not others.

    I felt hesitant to finish this post because I didn’t have an amazing call to action. I don’t know if I have the words or knowledge to spur on a whole community, or to change the minds of the 1% who hate us. But I realised that this is a battle won by love, laughter, acceptance and knowledge. We are having a vigil in Portsmouth outside the Guildhall, at 6pm on Friday, if anyone wants to join us.

    We’re going to get there, and know that I love you all, regardless of your gender, sexuality, race, class or whatever. It’s a cliché but it’s true, and I’m not afraid.

    -Rob
    ‪#‎loveislove‬ ‪#‎orlando‬

    Follow Rob Ulitski on Twitter

     

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  • Who were the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting victims?

    Here are the confirmed names of those who lost their lives in the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, USA.

    Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old

    Amanda Alvear, 25 years old

    Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 years old

    Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old

    Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old

    Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old

    Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28 years old

    Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25 years old

    Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old

    Cory James Connell, 21 years old

    Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old

    Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old

    Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old

    Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old

    Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old

    Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old

    Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old

    Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old

    Frank Hernandez, 27 years old

    Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old

    Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old

    Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old

    Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old

    Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25 years old

    Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old

    Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old

    Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old

    Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old

    Kimberly Morris, 37 years old

    Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old

    Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old

    Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old

    Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old

    Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old

    Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old

    Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old

    Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old

    Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old

    Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old

    Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old

    Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old

    Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old

    Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old

    Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old

    Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old

    Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old

    Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 years old

    Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old

    Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 years old

     

    ALSO READ:  49 killed in gay club massacre in Orlando

    ALSO READ: Man arrested in NY after allegedly shouting he’d come back to gay bar “Orlando style”

    ALSO READ: Nearly one-quarter of LGBT+ people afraid to go out onto the scene after Orlando attack

  • Nearly a quarter of LGBTs afraid for their safety after Orlando massacre

    Nearly a quarter of LGBTs afraid for their safety after Orlando massacre

    Nearly a quarter of LGBT+ people in a flash poll said they were afraid for their safety after Orlando gay club massacre.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The LGBT+ community remain on high alert after an attack on a gay club in Orlando left 49 people dead.

    In a flash poll conducted by THEGAYUK 23% of people surveyed said that they were afraid for their safety after the deadly attack in Orlando.

    When asked if the attack in Orlando directly affected their feelings of safety in going out on the gay scene 23 per cent said that they were afraid.

    Seventy-seven per cent of those questioned said that they would not allow “hate to win” and they would not be put off going to gay clubs and bars.

     

    ALSO READ: Man arrested after threatening to come back “Orlando-style” at gay bar security staff.

     

  • Man threatens to “come back Orlando style” in NY gay bar

    Police in New York have confirmed that a man has been arrested after allegedly threatening to “come back “Orlando-style” to a bar’s security guard.

    A man in Bushwick, New York, has been arrested after an alleged verbal and physical assault on a the Happyfun Hideaway‘s security guard.

    According to witnesses the man shouted abuse and allegedly threatened to come back “Orlando-style” just days after a gun shoot out in the Orlando Pulse nightclub left 49 people dead.

    “I’m going to shoot this place up and get my 50 just like Orlando, Florida,

    “I’m going to come back Orlando-style!”

    According to the NYPD, Justin Rice, 40, was arrested soon after the incident which happened at 11.00PM at the Happy Hideaway bar on Monday night.

    He was charged with aggravated harassment and attempted assault.

    Rice had been at the bar when he was taken outside by bouncers, he is due back in court on the 17th June and bail was set at $10,000.

    A comment left on the bar’s Facebook page thanked its customers for their support.

    “We are open for business and, bewilderment at what an odd world we live in aside, everyone is free of harm and proud to be part of such a loving community that doesn’t stand for hate… the best thing you can do to show the world that we believe in love is to continue to support us and all of our queer and artistic communities…”

     

  • Scottish Parliament holds one minute silence for Orlando victims

    Scottish Parliament holds one minute silence for Orlando victims

    Members of the Scottish Parliament fell silent to remember those who were massacred in the Orlando gay club shooting.

    Minute Silence in Chamber

    Scottish ministers held a minute silence yesterday in memory of the Orlando gay nightclub massacre victims before going on to discuss the importance of LGBT+ education in Scottish schools.

    Forty nine people were killed by a single shooter in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando over the weekend, in the worst single act of violence against LGBT people this century.

    Patrick Harvie, the co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, questioned First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on her plans to tackle homophobia in Scottish schools, after she lent her support to the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, which is calling for school staff to be trained in how address LGBTI issues, during this year’s parliamentary election.

    He said,

    “There are, sadly, still people – including young people – subjected to the ideology that says certain sexual orientations or gender identities are inherent moral defects.”

    “The First Minister has described herself as a huge supporter of the TIE campaign – how long will it be before all schools in Scotland actively promote the equality and dignity of all of their young people, including LGBTI young people?”

    Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, who has committed to the idea of better LGBT+ education, but failed to put in place a timetable to implement strategies said,

    “I don’t want to live in a country, yet alone be First Minister of a country, where any young person has to feel that, somehow, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are subject to judgement or made to feel in any way less than any other individual in our society. I have given a commitment to working with the campaign for inclusive education.”

    “The Scottish Government will continue to work to ensure that, whether it’s in a school or any other part of our society, the environment for any young people growing up – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – is one in which they feel comfortable.”

    Sturgeon also encouraged MSPs to attend Scottish prides in 2016 saying that politicians needed to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the LGBT+ community.

     

  • London Gay Village To Stand With Orlando Victims Tonight

    Tonight the community of Soho and London, both straight and gay people shall be gathering to respect and show support at 7pm for the victims and families of the Pulse nightclub shootings in Orlando.

    CREDIT: © nito103 /Depositphotos

    Hundreds are expected to be gathering at Old Compton Street, Soho, to pay respect for the 50 people killed and over 53 hospitalised in a terrorist attack on the LGBT+ community of Orlando.

    At 7pm tonight, 13th June, everyone is invited to come out onto the street to hold hands. Local bars and businesses shall stop serving during this time.

    You can keep up-to-date on the official FaceBook page for more information.

    Volunteers are being asked for from 6pm to help with what is expected to be a large turnout.

  • 50 People Killed at Gay Nightclub in Florida

    50 People Killed at Gay Nightclub in Florida

    50 people are now reported to have been killed at a mass shooting in a Florida gay club in the early hours of Sunday morning which has left many casualties according to Orlando Police.

    Embed from Getty Images

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