Members of the North East’s LGBT community are being invited to show their support for victims of the recent gay nightclub attack in Orlando at a special event this weekend.
On Saturday (June 18) – almost a week after the tragedy – regional charity, Northern Pride, will be hosting a vigil for those who were killed or injured in the Florida shooting – believed to be the worst gun attack in USA history.
The running order for the event at Newcastle Civic Centre, is as follows:
– Welcome by Mark Nicholas, Chair of Newcastle Pride, at 6pm
– Address by Dr Michael Wardle, Chair of Northern Lights MCC and Head Teacher at Durham Johnston School
– Speech from Councillor Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council
– Candles will be distrusted and lit among the crowd
– Reading of the names and ages of those murdered at Pulse nightclub
– Two minutes silence
– Performance of Something Inside So Strong by choir, Northern Proud Voices
– Crowd to disperse at around 6.45pm
Anyone touched by the tragedy in America is invited to attend and show their respect for those affected, as well as share a moment of reflection for other members of the LGBT community being persecuted around the world.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the LGBT community in Orlando following the tragic terrorist attack at Pulse Club.
“We have such a long way still to go in the fight against homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and we cannot tolerate anti LGBT violence anywhere in the world.
“The fight for equal rights goes on and we are proud to stand with Orlando at this vigil.”
More information about the Orlando vigil can be found at www.northern-pride.com or by searching Northern Pride on Facebook or Twitter.