Hundreds of New Yorkers rallied today at the historic Stonewall Inn to remember the victims of a mass shooting who died early this morning at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Stonewall became a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer resistance in 1969 when police raided the gay bar, leading to riots in the streets. When news broke that at least 50 people died in Florida, the tavern announced on Twitter, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families in Orlando. We stand in solidarity and in sadness with our entire LGBT community.”
In front of the brick building, a large crowd held rainbow flags inscribed with the peace sign and chanted, “No hate, no hate, no hate.” People at the vigil spoke passionately about the victims, calling them “family” and members of a community that “will never be silenced again.”
Scene outside historic #Stonewall right now in solidarity with #Orlando massacre victims. pic.twitter.com/6TkOA8BRM9
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
Possibly a few hundred people here already and rapidly building. Observing silence. Big police presence too. pic.twitter.com/pTiewQCUqP
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
#StonewallInn a gathering spot to remember and to keep fighting for equality and love #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/tb6pP5bmy7
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
Chants of “No hate, no hate, no hate…” in the big crowd outside #StonewallInn #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/9nvr57KO0J
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
Packed here next to the place about to be ferderally recognized landmark to gay rights. #OrlandoStrong #StonewallInn pic.twitter.com/6nO74L490D
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
“We must triumph over this hate” a spontaneous speech near #StonewallInn pic.twitter.com/O6qmYov8Qp
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
A political rally. An emotional rally. Calling out everyday hate speech that leads to homophobic violence #Orlando pic.twitter.com/VijOF3Koh0
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
#Orlando vigil at #StonewallInn in NYC. pic.twitter.com/0en2XmlFxb
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
Scenes from vigil tonight in NYC. pic.twitter.com/hhJ94NMlR6
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families in Orlando. We stand in solidarity and in sadness with our entire LGBT community
— THE STONEWALL INN (@TheStonewallNYC) June 12, 2016
Just so sad. pic.twitter.com/cyLymbgQ8y
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016
On the bar at #StonewallInn #NYC pic.twitter.com/2vFI7GlWBh
— James West (@jameswest2010) June 12, 2016