Capital Pride Festival Takes a More Somber Tone Following Orlando Mass Shooting
A day intended to be one of celebration and jubilance for Washington’s gay community took on a more somber tone Sunday as participants reacted to news that the alleged gunman who killed 50 people at an Orlando nightclub may have targeted them because of their sexual orientation.
Amid preparations for Sunday’s Capital Pride Festival, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of people, some said the celebration has now become a symbol that while the LGBT community has much to celebrate for the progress it has achieved, there is still work to do. There is still hatred. And there is still reason for fear.
“It’s a sad day for all of us and a powerful reminder that there’s still a lot of hatred in the world,” said David Mariner, executive director of the DC Center for the LGBT Community. “Much work remains all around the world. And much work remains right here in the District of Columbia.”
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