We at OSI-Baltimore join communities across the world who are devastated at the mass killing in Orlando this weekend. Below, we share a statement from our friends at Free State Legal and Equality Maryland, whose work we are proud to support, along with their list of opportunities to gather, mourn, and talk about the way forward. In addition to these events, we encourage everyone in the community to join OSI-Baltimore for our Talking About Race event next Thursday, which is focused on combating the latest surge in Islamophobia. More details here.
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the mass killing of LGBTQ patrons at a night club in Orlando this morning. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrific attack in Orlando or around the world, and we are disturbed at some of the responses we have heard from those who have a history of discrimination against LGBTQ people.
These events highlight what we have long known to be true – that the struggle is not over as we work to create a world in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are free to live authentically, with safety and dignity, in their own communities across Maryland, our country, or the world.
We will not be scared into isolation, and we will not allow this unconscionable attack to divide the LGBTQ and Muslim communities. We are working with our partners to organize a number of events around the state so that our communities may stand in solidarity to send a clear message that there is no place for bigotry and hate in our state.
Below are the events we currently know about, whether organized in collaboration with FreeState Legal and Equality Maryland or by community activists. We encourage LGBTQ people to mourn in community with each other at these and other events across the state, and send a clear message that we will not tolerate hate and bigotry in our state.
Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 8pm – Candle Light Vigil at the Washington Monument in Baltimore, organized by community organizers Brain Gaither and Matt Thorn.
Monday, June 13, 2016 at 7pm – Candle Light Vigil at Ynot Lot in Baltimore, Organized by GLCCB in collaboration with FreeState Legal and Equality Maryland.
Monday, June 13, 2016 at 7pm – Muslim Community Joins LGBTQ Community to Condemn Violence and Bigotry at the International Cultural Center in Montgomery Village – 16650 Club House Road, Montgomery Village, MD. Co-sponsored by Montgomery County Muslim Democratic Club, FreeState Legal and Equality Maryland, and World Organization for Resource Development and Education. Co-sponsor list in formation.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 8pm – Candle Light Vigil for Pulse Victims at the Evangelical Reform Church United Church of Christ, 15 West Church St., Frederick, organized by the Frederick Center
