‘Ottawa’ Sombre Vigil for Victims of Orlando Shooting Rampage
The rainbow flag flew next to the stars and stripes at the city’s Human Rights Monument during a sombre vigil for the victims of Sunday’s rampage in an Orlando night club, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Ottawa’s LGBTQ community rallied in support and stood in solidarity as dozens of similar vigils were held in cities across North America, following the shooting that left at least 50 dead and dozens more injured, an attack that U.S. President Barack Obama labelled “an act of hate” and “an act of terror.”
A lengthy moment of silence followed an emotional reading of names of the known victims during a vigil organized by Capital Pride, urging the community to come together “in a time of sadness and anger.”
Tammy Dopson of Capital Pride and Coun. Catherine McKenney each spoke, though both said the event was less about making speeches and more about coming together “to talk, share stories, hug, love … to show the rest of the world that we are OK.”
Some broke into a soft chorus of We Are Family while others stood in solemn silence under the Pride flag, which Mayor Jim Watson said would fly, along with the U.S. flag, at Marion Dewar Plaza, until sundown Thursday.
Watson called the attack “a horrible tragedy.”
“We are fortunate to live in a city and a country that embraces diversity, and where people are free to love who they wish to love. But this act of hate and terror reminds us that we must keep making progress until this climate of acceptance is extended to all members of the LGBTQ community around the world.”
It is believed 50 people perished at the Pulse nightclub and another 53 were injured.
The suspected gunman, identified as Omar Mateen, reportedly called 911 prior to the attack and pledged allegiance to Islamic extremists. He was killed in a shootout with Orlando police.
The attack has opened many deep wounds, and reignited conversations on multiple fronts — fears of violent extremism, America’s fierce gun control debate, and the LGBTQ community’s struggle for human rights.
“The issues are complex, and the worst thing that could happen is an over-simplification from politicians and community leaders who think a hashtag and a petition are going to fix it,” said activist Jeremy Dias, director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
“This is a stark reminder that we as a community need to recognize that hatred still exists, and what are we doing about it on a daily basis?”
Dias said, like the rest of the community, he was left “totally in shock” by the news of the shooting.
But, he said, his inbox is flooded daily with accounts of violence against the LGBTQ community.
“Violence is not just about guns. It’s language, jokes, oppression, self-harm and suicide and drugs and alcohol,” said Dias.
“We’ve seen major human rights progress happen in both Canada and the U.S., but we’ve also seen a number of steps back. It’s not just about changing legislation; it’s about changing hearts and minds.
“No legislation is going to stop someone from committing acts of violence, no legislation is going to stop someone from kicking their kids out of the house, or bullying in schools. This is about changing people’s attitudes and behaviours when it comes to marginalized and minority people, and that doesn’t happen overnight.”
Perhaps the most powerful message of the vigil was delivered by one man who stood with his arms outstretched, and said simply, “We matter.”