On Sunday, the last day of Albuquerque Pride 2016, local citizens and UNM students gathered at the Duck Pond, to mourn and honor the 49 killed and 53 injured at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
The vigil for victims took place at dusk, as over 500 people stood silent in candlelight.
After a period of silence, LGBTQ community leaders, political activists, local politicians and religious leaders addressed the mass shooting in the Florida, officially the largest in U.S. history.
Speakers included Sen. Jacob Candelaria of Albuquerque, and City Councilor Pat Davis.
Candelaria reminded supporters that there is “strength” in peace, community and love. He encouraged participants to reach out to both the Orlando and Albuquerque communities.
U.S. Rep. Michelle Grisham and APD Chief Gordon Eden were in the audience, as other local officials pointed out that the homophobic actions of the gunman do not reflect the sentiment of the general Muslim community.
Participants in the vigil were encouraged to communicate their political opinions to their local representatives and were told that the Orlando tragedy reflects relaxed gun control laws.
Albuquerque choral groups, including the Albuquerque Gay Men’s Choir, sang as the community grieved.
UNM students have reacted to the violence in Orlando with passion and perspective.
Anna Allegretti, a senior women's studies and anthropology double major, commented on the effects of the Orlando shootings on the local community and the need for emotional support.
“I think the LGBTQ community is like any other community.When part of it suffers, all suffer together. It has taken such a long time for this community to get where it is. This was a huge heartbreak,” Allegretti said.
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She expressed the idea that the response to this kind of violence requires more than donating blood and money.
“That won’t end mass murder and homophobia,” Allegretti said.
Tyler Clayshulte, a senior biology major, added that unity is imperative following Sunday's shooting, and that stricter paths to owning guns are necessary.
“Emotional support is vital in times like these, because it is imperative that as a community we stand together to reject the intolerance against people who are simply fighting for the right to be themselves and love who they want,” Clayshulte said. “I believe that though this is targeted towards the LGBTQ community, gun laws need to be implemented. People argue for the right to protect themselves, but that does not necessarily require a gun.”
The UNM LGBTQ Resource Center is one good place to communicate community emotions, get involved and aid Pulse nightclub victims. Located on UNM campus, the LGBTQ Resource Center, founded by UNM students is a great place to meet like minded people and receive helpful information.
The Agora Crisis Center in Albuquerque is another resource for expression and grieving. The Center's free and confidential listening support is available at 505-277-3013 and online at www.agoracares.org.
While students like Allegretti and Clayshulte said they cite homophobia and the lack of gun control laws as contributing to the deaths in Orlando, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump blamed President Barack Obama and argued for a ban on Muslim immigration via social media.
Other presidential candidates also issued statements on the shooting on Sunday and in the coming days.
