On June 12, 2016, 29-year-old Omar Mateen shot and killed 49 people and wounded 58 in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Pulse was hosting a "Latin Night", and most of the victims were of Latino descent.

Being LGBTQ in Florida has become increasingly difficult and dangerous under the Trump regime’s terms in office, but even more so since Ron DeSantis became governor of Florida in 2019. DeSantis has weaponized the government of Florida against the LGBTQ community, instituting a “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, cutting programs that help the community, such as access to gender affirming care. He has also enabled book bans, the Stop WOKE Act, which limits the discussion of systemic racism and gender, as well as removing any public facing signs of the queer community, including rainbow crosswalks and memorials. Ron DeSantis is the human embodiment of hate and a prime example of why Pride is necessary.

Tonight marks the 10 year anniversary of this terrible incident. There is a candlelight vigil in Houdini Plaza tonight for the victims of the Pulse tragedy, as well as the survivors everywhere. Every day under this discriminatory regime is a testament to our survival as LGBTQ, and I’m inviting you to come hold a candle with me for us all.