On Friday morning, Local Leaders met at the Orange County Administration building to fly the Section 93 Rainbow 25 Sea-to-Sea Flag a “Sacred Cloth” among members of the LGBTQ community to remember the victims of the Pulse Night Club shootings that took place on Sunday morning, which took the lives of 49 people and wounded 53 more.
Section 93 represents a 25 foot section of the world’s largest 1.25 mil original 8 color LGBTQ Rainbow Flag, that represents acceptance, understanding, education, solidarity, and inclusion. The flag which will fly until Saturday is seen as a symbol against the shootings which are being investigated as both an act of terror and a hate crime against the LGBTQ community.
“I’m glad that people are opening their hearts and realizing that this is what happens when that rhetoric pollutes a city.” said Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan “I’m happy to stand with so many people who’s hearts have been changed through this horrible tragedy.”
Worldwide support has flooded the Central Florida LGBT community in the days following the tragedy with millions being donated to the families of the victims for essential services and well wishes pouring in from all over the world. Religious leaders from around the state have stood with members of the LGBT community in a united front of love and hope.
After remarks from local leaders, the names of the 49 victims were read. Elected officials on hand included Sheehan, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, County Commissioners Victoria Siplin and Pete Clarke, Tax Collector Scott Randolph, and City Commissioner Sam Ings.