Leeds support and solidarity with Orlando
posted by Tom Doyle
on 13th June 2016
Leeds which has Yorkshire’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) community will join together from 10:30pm for speeches, words and tribute leading to a minutes silence at 11pm on Monday 13th June on Lower Briggate (commonly known as gayleeds), this in remembrance of those lost during the horrific shooting at the ‘Pulse’ Nightclub in Orlando (USA).
At least 50 people were tragically killed in the homophobic hate fuelled massacre in the early hours of Sunday 12th June 2016 at the renowned LGB&T Nightclub in Florida.
Venues within the heart of gayleeds will stop serving at 11pm Monday when it is hoped the LGB&T community and their allies will take to the streets to hold a one minute silent candle lit vigil to show solidarity with their LGB&T brothers and sisters of Orlando at this traumatic time.
The road on Lower Briggate will be closed off to traffic for a total of fifteen minutes before, during and after the vigil. Leeds City Council which has a hugely successful LGB&T Hub and Network is in full support of the vigil, Deputy Leader James Lewis will even make a short speech before the minutes silence regarding tragedy in Orlando.
The idea of this vigil came about in such short space of time thanks to the LGB&T community leaders of the Leeds LGB&T scene and because of the immense feelings of love and support that some LGB&T individuals of Leeds feel towards those effected by this horrendous crime.
One prominent member of the Leeds LGB&T community and a key figure in getting this vigil together Harry Nettleton announced that “At 11pm on Lower Briggate, traffic will cease as every member and friend of the Leeds Gay Scene is invited to stand hand in hand on the streets of gayleeds to show support and solidarity with Orlando”.
Leeds Business man and Leeds LGB&T venue owner Micheal Rothwell added “It’s such terrible news coming from Orlando, we all need to stand together regardless of sexuality, gender or creed and show that hate has no place in the world. I’m saddened that we as gay people are still targeted simply because of who we love, I am however proud of how gayleeds always comes together in times like these”.
The gayleeds venues Queens Court (QC), Fibre, Mission 2, The New Penny, Viaduct Showbar and Blayds will all fall silent for one minute at 11pm on Monday 13th June for the vigil. Candles will be on sale with any money raised going to Orlando to help those affected by the massacre.
It has also been announced that Leeds First Direct Arena which is a big supporter of equality in the city will also change the colour of it’s building at 11pm in honour of those who were killed.
Everybody is welcome to show their support and attend. In unison we can do so much: Mourn Together, Change the World Together, Live Together, Laugh Together & Love Together! ❤