People of Halifax are rallying around the LGBTQ community in the wake of the Orlando shooting that claimed the lives of 49 people and saw 53 more injured on the weekend.
Those in Halifax and surrounding area are invited to show their support, solidarity and pay their respects Monday night at a vigil at the Citadel High School field.
“The LGBTQ+ community has fought hard and achieved so much. We still must work together so everyone can live safely regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Halifax Pride said in a statement on their website.
“We will hold this tragedy in our hearts in the coming weeks as we prepare for our Pride festival. When we come together to celebrate Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ+ community, we show the world our strength and resilience.”
Halifax Pride is gearing up to kick off its annual pride festival on July 14. Every year, thousands of people take part in the nearly two-week long celebration which features everything from concerts to theatre to kids events, all culminating in a huge parade through downtown.
Pride flags flew at half mast at both city hall, the Nova Scotia legislatuire and Halifax Regional Police headquarters Monday as well, in memory of the victims, their families and everyone affected by the shooting.
“This flag is for all the people of Orlando and the LGBTQ community throughout the world,” HRP Chief Jean-Michael Blais said.
The vigil will begin at 8 p.m.