After the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida on 12 June 2016, Victorians gathered in Federation Square to show solidarity for the victims, their families and friends.
An estimated 2500 Victorians gathered in Federation Square on the evening of 16 June to show solidarity with Orlando following the tragic shooting.
Speeches from the event
Premier Daniel Andrews spoke of his commitment to stamp out homophobia
For this community, I pledge to use the great privilege of office to help build an atmosphere of celebration and courage and change - and bring the Victorian people along with us every step of the way. I think the victims of the massacre in Orlando and the hundreds of millions of people around the world just like them, who they never knew deserve nothing less.
Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, Ro Allen, spoke of the shooting's impact on LGBTIQ communities across the world, and the need to support each other through a difficult time.
The Commissioner invited a series of guests to speak to the crowd.
Speakers included:
- Auntie Di Kerr (Wurundjeri elder) - listen to Auntie Di’s speech.
- the Hon Daniel Andrews MP (Premier of Victoria) - listen to the Premier’s speech.
- Imam Nur Warsame (community representative) - listen to Iman Nur’s speech.
- Bill Furnish (Acting US Consul General) – listen to Bill’s speech.
- Asiel Adan-Sanchez (community representative) - listen to Asiel’s speech.
- Chad Hughes and John Mainwaring (Victorian AIDS Council) - listen to Chad and John’s speech.
- Georgie Harman (beyondblue) - listen to Georgie’s speech.
Brenda Appleton the chair of the LGBTIQ Taskforce introduced members of 3 LGBTIQ choirs. They led the crowd in singing Over the Rainbow.
Several hundred people attended a multi-faith service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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