Vigil and minute’s silence to be held tonight at St George’s Hall for victims of Orlando massacre

There will be a vigil at 7pm tonight in St George’s Hall tonight to pay respects to victims of the massacre in Orlando.

The vigil is taking place in order to pay respects to the 50 killed and over 50 injured in the homophobic gun attack on a gay nightclub in Florida on Sunday.  The event is the worst mass shooting in American history. It will take place at St George’s Hall plateau from 7pm until 8pm, and organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to attend.

It will be lead by Liverpool Pride, Trans Liverpool and the mayor. St George’s Hall will be lit up in the rainbow colours of the LGBT+ flag. Liverpool Town Hall will also be flying the LGBT+ flag at half-mast today and Liverpool’s LGBT+ venues will with a minute’s silence at 7pm to show their solidarity.

Photo: Liverpool Pride

Joe Anderson, Labour mayor of Liverpool, said:

“The tragedy in Orlando is truly heart-breaking, innocent lives lost or changed forever due to one individual’s hate. The City of Liverpool stands with the people of Orlando and LGBT people everywhere in love, support and solidarity.”

Andi Herring, chair and director of the Stanley Street Quarter CIC, said: “As a city and as the Stanley Street Quarter, it’s important we stand with the people of Orlando and show we will not allow attacks like this to set back the progress our community has made for equality.

“As the official LGBT Quarter for the city, safety is always our main priority, and horrific events like this go against everything we stand for.”

Zoran Blackie, a trustee of Liverpool Pride, added:

“Our hearts go out to all the community across Orlando, especially for all those friends and family and shattered lives. We remain proud to stand up against hate in all its forms, and such tragedies remind us of the need to bring communities together and unite against prejudice.”

Pride Festival will take place in Liverpool next month,  including the Liverpool Pride March on Saturday, July 30th. There are more than 25,000 people expected at the two-day event.

Giuseppe Campisi, the LGBT+ society president at the University, told The Tab: ” In light of the events in Orlando, it is crucial that the LGBT+ communities across the country come together to mourn and show our solidarity with the victims of the vicious, senseless attacks.

“This vigil will be a perfect opportunity to remember those lost in this tragic event, and to stand strong together in our mourning.”