Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan

She says plans for Pulse remembrance left out gay community

criticizes city officials after any mention of the gay community is left out of the city’s announcements about commemorating the lives lost in the June 12 massacre at Pulse.

In revealing plans to commemorate the lives lost in the June 12 massacre at Pulse nightclub, two of Orlando’s top elected officials made a crucial, five-letter omission, according to city Commissioner Patty Sheehan: LGBTQ.

Neither Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer nor Orange Mayor Teresa Jacobs explicitly mentioned the gay community in announcing “Orlando United Day,” something Sheehan said Tuesday was a glaring error given that the attack targeted a gay nightclub.

“If you’re going to be inclusive, you have to talk about everyone who was impacted. That’s not happening,” Sheehan said of the shootings in which 49 people were slain and dozens more wounded. “Frankly, I was afraid this was going to happen. I didn’t want it to be about the politicians. I wanted it to be about the people who were impacted.”

In a statement, Dyer defended his commitment to supporting the LGBTQ and other minority communities but did not directly explain the omission.

“Our commitment to those who were directly impacted by the loss of loved ones, those who survived the attack, those who were there that night and every single person who felt the pain and loss of this tragedy is unwavering,” he said.

Jacobs also issued a statement saying any offense that resulted from the 44-second video posted to YouTube on Monday was unintended.

“If in the absence of specific mention of our cherished LGBTQ and Hispanic populations in the video announcement for the Orlando United Day yesterday, the message was construed as insensitive or dismissive, I would certainly like to underscore that in no way was that the intention,” Jacobs. “I regret if anyone experienced that reaction.”

Sheehan, the city’s first openly gay elected official, said Pulse was an LGBTQ safe space, making its impact on the local gay community more acute. The effect of a tragedy like the Pulse attack on minority communities often goes overlooked, she said.

“It begins with omitting them and trying to make them go away,” she said. “We we will not be silenced. We will not be made to go away.”

LGBTQ is a commonly used umbrella term for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer.

Sheehan was not alone in her criticism. After the city posted the video to its Facebook page, several people commented to express similar concerns about the omission or to request that it be revised.

In the video, both mayors expressed solidarity in general terms.

Said Dyer, “Our community will never forget the tragedy of Pulse or the grief of those who lost loved ones. From heartbroken family and friends to survivors putting shattered lives back together, our entire community stands with you.”

Added Jacobs, “As we prepare for the anniversary of Pulse, the world is working to honor and remember the lives we lost. Through a day of love and kindness dedicated to the legacy of those who perished, we will continue to cherish their memories.”

Sheehan also took issue with Jacobs’ use of the word “anniversary,” which she argued was inappropriate to such a somber occasion. Jacobs’ statement Tuesday didn’t respond to that specific critique.

“They were so busy pushing their marketing campaign that they said the word ‘anniversary,’ which is very hurtful to the families, because it’s not an anniversary, it’s a day of remembrance,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan also contended the city had failed to share their plans for June 12 with Pulse survivors and the families of those killed, prior to making the details public this week.

Dyer’s administration denied that, saying that the information was sent via certified mail to the families of the dead a week prior to Monday’s announcement. Many who survived the attack also were notified with phone calls or emails, Dyer staffers said.