Hope CommUnity Center honors the 49 with action fueling change

The 2016 Pulse shooting tragedy remains a somber testament to the enduring struggle against hate and violence.

On June 12th, 2016, in Orlando, a devastating act of terror unfolded as a gunman opened fire inside the Pulse nightclub. In the wake of this senseless act, 49 innocent lives were tragically lost, and over 50 others were injured, leaving scars that extend far beyond physical wounds.

The attack, carried out during Pride Month, shook not only Orlando and Apopka but reverberated across the nation and the world, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for unity. As communities rallied in solidarity, the Pulse shooting underscored the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and unwavering support for marginalized groups in the ongoing pursuit of peace and equality.

The Hope CommUnity Center remembers June 12th, 2016 vividly, and released the following statement:

"At Hope CommUnity Center, we bow our heads in sacred remembrance of the 49 souls whose lives were tragically and brutally taken on this day eight years ago.

Then, we lift our eyes towards a more just future, gather our collective energy, step forward with determination and resolve, and stand firmly with the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those who reside at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and immigrant identities.

We honor the lives that were lost every single day, not just with thoughts and prayers, but with action:

• We fight back against state laws that target and criminalize innocent people from both LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities.
• We host the annual Apopka Pride, which in 2023 had over 350 people in attendance.
• We formed a group called the QTIs (Queer Transgender Immigrants), which began as a support group with 5 members less than 2 years ago, and now is over 80 members strong and a force for powerful advocacy of LGBTQIA+ immigrants.

June 12th will always be a day of grief and remembrance. But, it will also forever serve as the fuel that powers our impatient demands for freedom and justice."