Hundreds of people gathered outside Linq, an LGBT-friendly bar on Pottinger Street, yesterday evening in a vigil for the victims of the Orlando massacre.
Vigil attendees lighting a candle outside LINQ. Photo: Joey Kwok
In the worst mass shooting in US history, the worst act of violence against LGBT people in the US, and the worst terrorist attack in the US since 9/11, gunman Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Florida, in the early hours of Sunday.
Around 200 people attended the vigil yesterday at 6:30pm, lighting candles and observing a moment of silence for the victims.
Organisers Betty Grisoni (L) and Abby Lee (R), co-founders of local lesbian group Les Peches
Betty Grisoni, co-founder of organising group Les Peches, told HKFP, “It is important to remember that [the shooting] is an act of terrorism and hatred, but also homophobia. Homophobia is very real and some people fear for their life every day.”
Canadian Consul General Ian Burchett (L) and US Consul General Clifford Hart (R). Photo: Abby Lee via Facebook
Representatives for the Pink Alliance, Double Happiness, and Out in HK showed their support for the event. Speakers included US Consul General Clifford Hart, and singer Denise Ho, who was the first mainstream artist in Hong Kong to come out as a lesbian.
Ho said, “I am devastated by this news. I wish we were in a world that is not filled with so much hate. Knowledge and understanding are the only way we can overcome this hatred,” reports HKFP.
Labour Party lawmaker Cyd Ho concurred, saying, “There shall be no killing with hatred in the name of morality. Let’s stop it once and for all. Let’s work to prevent this type of violence in Hong Kong before it’s too late.”
Guests brought signs condemning Islamaphobia and homophobia, and placed bouquets of white flowers outside the bar.
Photo: Crystal Jane via Facebook
Hongkongers filled a notebook at the vigil with supportive messages for those injured or killed in the attack.
There are no existing laws protecting LGBTI individuals from discrimination in Hong Kong.
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