Call out to community for LGBTQI support after Orlando shootings

Sault Pride Community is inviting members of the LGBTQI community, their allies and everyone who would like to join them to gather in remembrance of the victims of a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. 

The community gathering and candlelight vigil will take place at 7 p.m. at the Sault College Native Education Centre, Enji Maawnjding, located in the southwest section of the college. 

When Helen Scott opened Facebook this morning and read the news of a mas shooting at a popular gay bar in Orlando early Sunday morning her first reaction was shock.

50 people, including the gunman, were killed and 53 more injured. 

Then shock gave way to disheartenment as she saw the focus shifting away from the victims and onto the religion of the gunman.

"What is behind this is hatred. Islam didn't do this. A person did; a person with hatred in his heart," Scott said. "If you really want to combat that hatred, you need to find a way to value diversity and embrace love. With everything I have, I hope that you do."

Scott says that, early in the day today, she began hearing concerns from youngers members of the LGBTQI community in the Sault.

"They've never experienced this," she said. "We're relatively safe because our community supports and protects us."

"But it (discrimination) is still happening here," Scott added. "Too many of us (LGBTQI community members) have experienced physical, sexual and emotional abuse."

It is because of this fear and grief that Scott says Sault Pride is calling for support from the wider community of the Sault and area.

"We want to send a call out to our allies to show their support," Scott said. "We're doing this so people can come together to grieve, to remember the victims of the shooting in Orlando and to support each other."

Members of the LGBTQI community need to feel like their larger community has their backs, she said. 

"The events in Orlando have really left me shaken. I feel that a community gathering is needed. I, for one, could use some hugs and a sense of support...  I know I am not the only one needing this right now."

The event will give everyone who needs to speak an opportunity to share and include a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of hate who died in Orlando.

"Everyone is welcome! Allies, please come! We need your support right now."

Omar Mateen, an Islamic, 29-year-old American citizen of Afghan heritage reportedly called 911 during his attack on the people in a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

During that call Mateen claimed allegiance to the Islamic State.

He was later killed during a shoot-out with police and became the 50th person to die early Sunday morning in what is being called the largest mass murder in American history.