A second vigil is being held in Pittsburgh to remember the many lost and harmed in the Orlando massacre that occurred so early Sunday morning. This vigil will be held on the steps of the City-County Building, as that is a location symbolic, meant to represent the city as a whole. 8PM.

There are numerous reasons why I encourage you to attend. And, if you are one of my many blog readers living outside of Pittsburgh, to seek out a vigil in your area.

First and foremost, those in Orlando, most impacted by this catastrophic event need our support. By participating, we are with them in some fashion, and that is so crucial at this point in the process. But truly, as President Obama articulated so clearly, this was not simply an attack on a gay bar in Orlando, but an attack against our entire country and everyone in it.

Secondly, in the aftermath of such a horrific ordeal, many of us can feel isolated, hopeless and under siege. To counter these feelings, we gather and we become community for one another. We allow ourselves as a group to be the strength we may need as individuals but may have trouble finding on our own.

Lastly, by gathering we emphasize that there is more that connects us than divides us. Our diversity is our strength and within a city-wide vigil, we can see that we as individuals stand within a mass of many, some who are like us and some who are different, all together as one.

Reports in the media vary in regards to identifying this act of terrorism. Some rightly identify it as an attack against the LGBTQIA+ community, while others gloss over this facet of it. By joining together in a vigil we bear witness to that truth, and we confront those silent about this crucial and painful detail.

Pittsburgh City County Bldg

8PM

“Attacks on any American, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, are attacks on all of us, and on our fundamental vales of equality and dignity that define us as a country.” — President Obama