Monday night, the Charlottesville Pride Community Network hosted a candlelight vigil on the Downtown Mall for the victims of the recent Orlando mass shooting.
Hundreds of community members gathered at the Downtown Mall’s Freedom of Speech Wall to express their grief over the attack, which left 49 victims dead and 53 wounded at gay nightclub “Pulse.”
A performance by the Charlottesville Women’s Choir opened the event, which was headlined by an array of speakers from local organizations as well as the Charlottesville Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy.
Saad Hussein, Support Staff Coordinator of the Islamic Society of Central Virginia, reminded those gathered that murder is contrary to the teachings of Islam, and that many Muslims were among those in Florida who lined up to donate blood in the shooting’s aftermath.
“Killing one innocent person is equivalent to killing all of mankind,” Hussein said. “We stand united against any criminal act of any sort, and we pray that we will one day live in a world that will be free of any hate or animosity for one another.”
In an email statement sent to the University community, University President Teresa Sullivan also extended her condolences to those affected and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to tolerance — both for LGBTQ individuals and for Muslims.
“We express our support for all who stand for mutual respect and acceptance,” the statement said. “We also offer our support to members of the Muslim community, who often face backlash and hatred when acts of violence are committed by individuals who claim to be acting in the name of Islam.”
Vice Mayor Bellamy, wearing a “Silence Will Not Save You” shirt, urged attendees to actively consider how they can promote equality for LGBTQ individuals in their daily lives.
It’s easy to speak out in safe spaces, but allies need to be actively pursuing change to overcome discrimination, Bellamy said.
“When I think about all of you here — the multitude of races, ages, different denominations and faiths — when I look at everyone here, I think of Charlottesville,” Bellamy said. “How many of us here are willing to take a stand and say that no matter who you are you deserve to be respected?”
After the speakers concluded, the crowd marched from the Freedom of Speech Wall to the federal building at the opposite end of the Downtown Mall. Community members chanted “Equal rights for all” and “we’re here, we’re queer, stop killing us,” as they marched.
Cville Pride President Amy-Sarah Marshall said the message she hoped the vigil would deliver to the Charlottesville community was one of acceptance for those who experience discrimination.
“I urge everyone to get a little less comfortable. Get closer to people unlike you. Get educated about the experience of groups who don’t enjoy the full privileges of citizenship that you do,” Marshall said in an email statement. “Challenge assumptions and heteronormativity and stereotypes about class and race. Don't take anything for granted.”
At the vigil, Marshall said she hopes members of not only LGBTQ communities — but also Islamic communities and others — come together to show support for one another in the face of such terror.
“I’m challenged when people talk about love is love and love always wins and don't be afraid or the terrorists win. I want us to know this fear, not to live in it and stay in it, but I want us to know that it is real,” Marshall said. “Some of us are absolutely terrified, so let's be there for each other. The one thing I do want to ask of you guys is to be visible with you, support each other.”
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