El Paso’s LGBT+ community shows solidarity with victims of Orlando massacre
Around the borderland, the LGBT+ community is responding to the horrific attack in Orlando Saturday.
“We’re in shock,” said Carlos Salais, parade director for El Paso Sun City Pride. “Pretty much that’s what we are, we’re in shock right now.”
Salais and the overall local LGBT+ community are still reeling from the news of the Orlando attack.
“It’s very sad because especially during Pride Month, we’re all celebrating all the accomplishments that the community has gained throughout the years,” Salais said
Sun City Pride just held their parade through downtown El Paso just over a week ago.
“There’s a lot of emotions going on,” Salais said. “It could happen anywhere across the nation. I mean it’s one of those things where you’re never ready or prepared for.”
Even right outside the group of bars and clubs that make up Pride Square off of Stanton Street just north of downtown and the EPIC Bar & Nightclub that is the headquarters for Sun City Pride, there are still visual reminders that hate, bigotry and prejudice exist against this community. Messages like “Abomination clubs,” “Sodom & Gomorrah part 2” and “Homosexuality and Lesbianism is sin in God’s eyes.”
“To be honest I’ve never felt at risk,” Salais said. “I’ve been coming out since ’98 to the bars and clubs. But this was a little rude awakening that it could happen at any given time, even though you think you’re in a very progressive city and that things are changing. Obviously there are still people who have other ideas.”
Salais said the community will come together and work to support each other as best they can, with fundraisers and more in the works.
“Right now we are trying to see what we can do for the community in support for our Orlando people,” Salais said.
There is a candlelight vigil and memorial walk scheduled for Sunday night at San Jacinto Plaza, with gathering starting at 9:30 p.m.
Sun City Pride has also organized a local GoFundMe to support the Orlando victims, families and community. To find our more, you can visit the fundraiser page.
