Honor Pulse victims by making Orlando more inclusive
June 12, 2016, may feel like decades ago for some in our community, but for others the day feels like it was just yesterday. As we approach the five-year mark of one of the darkest days in Orlando’s history, we know that many people are still feeling the impacts of the unimaginable tragedy that occurred.
Our community endured unfathomable pain and we will never forget the 49 angels taken, as well as the survivors, families of the victims, first responders and medical professionals whose lives have been forever changed by this horrific act of hate.
Their wounds are both seen and unseen and for them, healing and recovery are not one size fits all. We must continue to be there for them wherever they are on their journey. This is why our Orlando United Assistance Center, under the management of the LGBT+ Center Orlando, is still providing personalized services, including mental health counseling, for those directly impacted. As time passes, the City of Orlando remains committed to continuing to meet their changing needs.
The 49 can never be brought back, so it is our duty to honor them every day by making Orlando an even more welcoming and safe place for all. As a community, we responded to the Pulse tragedy with love and kindness. We waited for hours to give blood, donated millions of dollars to those directly impacted through the One Orlando Fund and came together to mourn and support one another at vigils. Orlando showed the world that unity and compassion are stronger than hate.
In the years since the tragedy, we have worked to increase the visibility of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and celebrate our city’s diversity during annual events like Come Out With Pride and on murals throughout the city. We proudly fly the Pride flag at City Hall and at soccer games. Businesses now display stickers provided by the Orlando Police Department to show that they’re safe places for all residents.
“Orlando United” was our call to action five years ago, but it is up to us all to ensure that this isn’t simply a slogan that we bring out annually as we mark the time that’s passed since the tragedy. Instead, it must be part of our core commitment to real change.
This is especially critical during this current moment in time for our nation, with the renewed fight against the legacy and effects of injustice. We cannot just say we are “Orlando United;” we need to double down on the work to ensure that every person in our community feels equally valued and protected and has equitable access to opportunities. We must advocate for our city’s LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black and other communities of color who were disproportionally impacted by the tragedy and historically have felt the impacts of systemic racism and discrimination.
As a municipal government, the City of Orlando is committed to working for and with residents to make change happen. Our efforts include a program where mentalhealth professionals respond to some nonviolent 911 calls that don’t need a law enforcement response, so we can connect those in need to treatment and support. We’re expanding our youth programs, which have impacted thousands of children, to additional neighborhoods so more young residents will have access to academic support and mentoring. At City Hall, we installed an all-user multi-stall restroom to ensure anyone can use the bathroom without fear of discrimination or harassment. Our work must and will continue.
Five years later, so much has changed. The United States has faced an unprecedented pandemic, economic hardship and divisive politics. But at the same time, our community has met the challenges of today with the same level of concern that we had in the hours, days, weeks and months after the tragedy.
Orlando was called to action on June 12, 2016. Our city was asked to find in ourselves the strength to respond with empathy when faced with an unthinkable act of violence. We are still working every day to honor the 49 angels and every person impacted by the Pulse tragedy with action. Together, we continue to make Orlando a more inclusive, welcoming and equitable community for all.