A VIGIL will be held outside the Guildhall in memory of the victims of the Orlando shootings as Worcester stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the LGBT+ community.
The rainbow flag will be flown from the Guildhall as the city comes together tomorrow evening (Saturday) from 7pm to remember the 49 people killed in the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
In a poignant vigil, candles will be lit and flowers laid in a mark of solidarity with the LGBT+ community worldwide.
One of the orgainsers of the vigil, Holly Mullinger, from Worcestershire Pride, told the Observer the people of Worcester should ‘stand tall together in defying this hatred.’
“Worcester is to stand strongly and proudly together in solidarity with the LGBT+ community in remembrance of the heartbreaking losses suffered earlier this week,” Holly said.
“In response to this painful attack, I had witnessed incredible tributes to the victims and their loved ones pouring in from across the world and wondered to myself; where is Worcester’s gesture of support.
“Although this is something Worcester shouldn’t have to be doing and it’s something none of us wish to be organising I was amazed at the encouragement and support offered by the Worcester public in celebrating and developing our beautiful LGBT+ community.
“We must look upon this massacre for what it was; a homophobic hate crime and stand tall together in defying this hatred.
“The LGBT+ community have worked tirelessly in creating sanctuaries and safe spaces worldwide which has projected a sense of security and belonging.
“It is time that society as a whole woke up, moved forward and supported these admirable changes.
“Worcester is a city in desperate need of a bigger gay scene, more havens to offer advice and support to our LGBT+ youth and most importantly we must embrace our absolute right to love and to be whoever we choose.
“This equally applies in joining arms with our Muslim communities; this vigil wishes to extend our sincerest sympathies and support condemning all discrimination and exclusion faced, heightened as a cowardice response to this crisis.
“Finally and on behalf of Worcestershire Pride we’d like to thank the Mayor for choosing to fly the rainbow flag over Guildhall at tomorrow’s vigil; an absolutely beautiful gesture in the right direction.
“Love wins.”
