TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL)-- Local LGBT leaders got together Sunday to put together an opportunity to express their feelings in light of the mass shooting in Orlando Sunday.
The Tallahassee LGBT Greek Council hosted the event at Lake Ella. We spoke to the group's co-chairs, along with members of Equality Florida and Tallahassee's Family Tree about how the shooting has affected the community and why they're holding this vigil.
"It's immediate. Your heart breaks. You need to take care of it. You need to take care of those that you love, and it's always a pleasure to serve our community." Says Rochelle and Ayana Powell, both part of the Tallahassee LGBT Council. They say they wanted to provide a space where people can feel their feelings.
Steven Hall of the Family Tree Community Center said that the shooter hit one of the only safe places for LGBT people to go and that it was the only place most could go to be themselves. "It hit what has been a safe space for so many for so long -- and that was an LGBT-friendly bar. For a very long time, that was the only space -- and for some, it still is one of the only spaces they can go to be themselves -- whether it be their sexual orientation or gender identity" Hall says
According to Officials, the shooter called 911 to pledge his allegiance to the Islamic terrorist group ISIS. The muslim holiday Ramadan is curetently happening and is considered the holiest month in Islam. During this time, Muslims focus on discipline through fasting and prayer. Tallahassee's imam say the shooters actions are completely against the Islamic Faith.
The event Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and another is Scheduled to take place Monday at the Capital at 6:30 p.m.
