FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2021

ORLANDO, FL – On this day five years ago, 49 people were killed and 53 were injured at Pulse Nightclub in one of the worst mass shootings and deadliest attacks on LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement for Pulse Remembrance Day:

“The Pulse massacre, a heinous attack on Orlando’s LGBTQ community, will remain with us always. Today is a time to remember and honor those we lost, and also to recognize the survivors who overcame their physical injuries and trauma. Pride Month is always a bittersweet combination of celebrating how far our community has come, focusing our activism on completing the journey to full equality, and commemorating those no longer with us due to neglect, discrimination, or violence. Pulse is a core part of the Pride story, and we thank our Florida congressional delegation for helping to make the National Pulse Memorial a reality. Pulse is now a symbol of resilience and strength.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Region 4 Director and Rainbow Democrats President Brandon Nelson gave a reaction from the local community:

“One Pulse and Orlando Strong are more than just slogans. They are what has helped our community to heal. Five years ago, we were devastated by an act of cowardice and terror. As painful as that day was, it has made us stronger as individuals, as a city, and as a community. We can never bring back the 49 lives we lost, but we can and will continue to honor them with action. Their memories are the building blocks of our strength. Keep dancing Orlando, because hate will never win. We are Pulse. We are Orlando.”

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