No words can mend our broken hearts after the tragic murder of 49 and wounding of 53 of our brothers, sisters, parents, friends, and loved ones at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. There is no way to undo the damage that was done, or to convey the shock we feel at such a brutal act of intolerance aimed at a community which values peace, love, and acceptance.
BUT AUSTIN IS LOUD AND PROUD, AND WE WILL NOT BE BOWED BY FEAR, IGNORANCE, OR BIGOTRY. BELIEVE IT.
With that in mind, here is a list of local events which aim to promote community, compassion, and care for the world we love and live in by giving what we have to our family in Orlando. In our bad-ass and unflappable Austin way, we put our hearts, voices, and resources to task. APD will be providing increased security in the Warehouse District and around town for all upcoming events in the LGBT community.
And we will have each other, the best armor there is.
1. A #PeacockProud Benefit for the Victims in Orlando
Join us this Friday at Austin’s favorite local gay bar, Rain on 4th, as we raise money for the victims of the Orlando shooting and fight hate and intolerance with love and acceptance.
2. Kissin’ at the Capitol!
Let’s gather on the lawn of the Capitol building this Saturday, and show people a bunch of queers kissing!
4:00 – 5:30 PM – Gather, get organized, and protest
5:30 – 5:31 PM – 49 seconds of silence
5:31 – 6:00 PM – Line up with your kissing partner(s) (we’ll work out the formation) and smooch
3. 6th Annual Stonewall Celebration!
We will have a touching memorial to the Orlando victims and those we’ve lost to violence. Join Austin PRIDE for our 6th Annual Stonewall Celebration on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol! This year we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Celebration pays tribute to the individuals that sparked the modern day gay rights movement in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn.
4. Interfaith Vigil for Healing
Many of us have heavy hearts after this weekend’s tragic events in Orlando. Let us come together as compassionate and loving people from all communities as we honor those whose lives were lost. We invite you to join iACT, all our interfaith friends and the LGBTQ community for an Interfaith Vigil for Healing at St. James’ Episcopal Church (1941 Webberville Rd.) – Thursday June 16, 6:30pm to 8pm. Just come as you are!
5. Flip for Orlando @ BT2
This Saturday BT2 will be doing “FLIP FOR ORLANDO” Flip Cup Fundraiser!!! All proceeds will go towards Pulse Orlando so get your teams together and show your support!!! First Place Team wins $500 along with other cash prizes for best team outfits and best team names!
6. Tucked – Austin’s Best Drag Show – A Benefit Show for Pulse
All money raised will be donated to the Official Pulse Victims Fund page for Equality Florida!
7. Orlando Fundraising Show – Please Share – #WeareOrlando
As the nation and the world mourns the beautiful lives lost, the injured and the forever-changed, V Austin wants to lend a helping hand to the families and community affected in Orlando. We had previously scheduled a special PRIDE Month event and an official launch of our bi-weekly drag show (Haus Of Face Premier Show) with 97.5 PRIDE Radio Austin this Saturday for our GLBT community and allies. As a Gay-owned business and an inclusive venue, this tragic event has really hit close to home. We believe that we have a social responsibly to help those in a time of need. V Austin will continue to host this special event with PRIDE. We will stand tall and hold a special fundraising from open till 11PM with a dedicated performance and a moment of silence with. All profits, bartender tips and performance tips will be donated to Pulse Orlando via Equality Florida.
8. Austin for Orlando Black and Brown MeetUp
More than half of the victims of the Orlando Massacre were AfroPuerto Rican and Black. Join Black Lives Matter Austin at Chago’s Puerto Rican Restaurant for a meetup and discussion: remembering the victims, Black and Brown solidarity, next action steps, etc.
9. Café Libro: Honoring Queer Resistencia, Remembering Orlando Pulse
We invite folx who are QPOC poets/writers/artists/cultural workers/activists/gente to honor Queer Resistencia and remember Orlando Pulse by sharing their own words, songs, and gifts or reading works of QPOC they love and admire. We also invite QPOC allies to read the words, songs, and gifts of QPOC.
10. YOU AND I, AND EVERYONE WE KNOW
We have to keep giving a damn, keep loving our neighbors, and KEEP AUSTIN PROUD!!! We are Orlando, and Stonewall, and – one day – we will simply get to BE.
