The attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fl was the worst mass shooting in the history of America. For so many people, this was a heartbreaking tragedy, with 49 dead and 53 injured or in critical condition.
But with all the death, grief, and mourning, there also came a wave of support and love from the rest of the world.
“As a country we will be there for the people of Orlando today, tomorrow, and for all the days to come,” President Obama stated during his speech following the attack. On June 16, he personally met with the victims’ families, survivors, and those affected by the massacre to console them and to provide hope.
People worldwide responded with displays of kindness and love. Buildings were lit up in bright, rainbow colors to honor the victims of the shooting.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Story Bridge in Brisbane, the City Hall in Tel Aviv, the One World Trade Center, the Helmsley Building in New York City, and the Orlando Eye, a Ferris wheel in Orlando, were just a few of the buildings to do so in order to pay respects to those who were suffering as a result of this attack.
Immediately after the attack, people began lining up to offer blood donations. OneBlood, a blood donation center in Orlando, became so overwhelmed by the amount of willing donors that they began turning people away. It is speculated that around 600 people waited for hours outside OneBlood’s center following the attack.
A fundraiser initiated on GoFundMe.com by Ida Vishkaee Eskamani on June 12 has gained over $5 million in donations as of this time and thenumbers are continuing to climb.
Despite security concerns, thousands of people attended gay pride parades in cities across America. Vigils were held in places like the French Quarter in New Orleans, Boston, and, fittingly, in downtown Orlando. A memorial was created by the Dr. Phillips Center and bells were rung 49 times.
Many celebrities expressed their condolences and shared words of love. The host of The Late Late Show, James Corden, gave a powerful opening speech at the 70th Tony Awards, which he was hosting that night.
“Hate will never win,” the British actor declared. “Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and celebration of that principle”.
Following the attack, a tweet was posted on the Tonys twitter page noting that the show would be dedicated to the victims of the Orlando attack. During the show, playwright Lin Manuel Miranda, writer of the hit Broadway show Hamilton, was one of many people to offer his love and condolences to the victims and their families.
“When senseless acts of tragedy remind us/That nothing here is promised, not one day,” Lin-Manuel Miranda said as he addressed the tragedy in a heartfelt sonnet he performed during the Tonys. “And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.”
Like Corden, many other members of the late night community addressed their feelings towards the Orlando attack. Among them were Stephen Colbert, Trever Noah, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon. CNN reporter Anderson Cooper tearfully read out the names of all 49 of the people killed in the attack.
Other celebrities who responded to the tragedy included Lady Gaga, Comedian Wanda Sykes, Boy George, Ariana Grande, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Ricky Martin tweeted: “I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all,” along with the hashtag #PrayforOrlando.
The LGBT community gained a new surge of support. Many people came to gay pride parades and thousands of people took to social media to openly and pridefully discuss their sexuality. On Twitter, the hashtag #LoveWins went viral.
Survivors, as well as others affected by the Orlando tragedy have spoken out about the pain, hope, grief, fear, and the many other emotions they have and continue to feel.
On June 15, YouTuber Arielle Scarcella posted a video featuring the survivors of the shooting as well as supporters of the LGBT community. The video is entitled: “Dear World, We’re Not Afraid”.
“Out of great sadness, love is born,” some of the individuals affected by the Orlando attack declared. “We [the LGBT community] thrive not because we are not afraid of hate but because we are not afraid of love”.
